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Drew'sMilitia

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Everything posted by Drew'sMilitia

  1. An excellent article John. I do think that people underestimate the mental/psychological aspects of the game of football. Physical fitness is relatively straightforward to attain and maintain but the mental strength and stamina needed for the long-haul is a completely different matter. Because it’s harder to visualise or grasp I think we often overlook that. Interesting to see the thoughts of footballers from the 70s. They may indeed have been tougher, physically and potentially mentally but I also wonder if there were less inherent pressure upon them without the 24 hour media-driven circus which surrounds today’s modern game. I wonder if Villa employ Sports Psychologists? I know they’ve been used my many top-flight sports stars in the world of tennis and snooker etc. I wonder how long before we see this in mainstream football? Or maybe we’re there already?
  2. 500-600 normally. Sometimes higher depending on the opponents. Worth attending.
  3. Shorey looked solid last night and everything he did was done simply and without fuss. I think he'll make good and just hope that the Villa boo boys don't get on his back.
  4. Great report as always and really enjoyed the game. I was particularly impressed with the two big Centre Backs, Baker and Clark. I can really see those two forming the core of a very solid defence for the first XI in a few years time. They looked calm and accomplished and linked up well against what was basically a bonafide first XI Stoke team. Bouma’s surging run and low cross was excellent and James Collins looks like being one of those big strikers who just get goals. The Austrian duo looked very tidy, creating trouble for the Stoke defence throughout. I missed Stuart Taylor’s one-man ‘shout-a-thon’ – but Elliot P did the business in a quieter way. Also missed Bannan’s influence on the game but pleased that they have had the opportunity to go on loan and display their wares elsewhere. The next match on the 20th April will be an interesting one. I imagine a fair few of the disciples – sent out to spread the word of Villa will return to watch from the touchline and possibly touch a trophy and collect a medal. Fingers crossed! And no one left their car running in the car park this time… So OBE - are you one of the guys sat in the press area tapping away during the game?
  5. Great review as always – many thanks. Interesting how you see and point out things that I miss even though I was at the game too! The ‘Boss Hogg’ wonder goal was a superb strike from a good 25-30 yards. Very impressive all round. I think some of these players are going to make many regular appearances for Villa First XI. Others are going to have good careers in the lower leagues and I dare say some will make return trips to Villa Park in the future playing for other teams as they help them to promotion. I was really impressed with last night’s performance and I’m looking forward to 23rd March already! Enjoyable football, cheap or free entry, sit where you want and none of the gnawing-worry-dread-and-tension of watching the First XI. Maybe this is preferable to what we put ourselves through watching the ‘big lads’? On another positive note, Shorey looked comfortable and solid. I think he may be another ‘Confidence Jockey’ like Petrov, needing to be confident and feel he is being perceived positively before he can deliver his best. I hope that he is able to be given the chance to prove his worth without people getting on his back.
  6. Great report of a great game. Real end-to-end stuff! I think there's a good few of those youngsters playing last night that will feature on the big stage more and more next season. Albrighton looks like a James Milner type player, jinking and weaving his way through the defence and Bannan continues to impress. Comedy Marlon did well last night (as one would expect at this level) but I wish he would make the step up when given the opportunity. Great team effort overall and Bouma 'The Rock' is back!
  7. General, I just wondered if you are planning to make the trip to Moscow next week? If you are I trust you’ll be taking good care of yourself. As a former Commandant General of the United States Marine Corps and our very own favourite General we’d hate to see you go missing in action! A rescue mission involving 500 Villa Talkers wouldn’t be a pretty sight and wouldn’t aid International Relations… In all seriousness, I would imagine that Police Football Intelligence Units have been over in the Russian capital already liaising with their Russian counterparts and I’m sure the British Embassy is on hand to help in emergencies. However, would this be the ideal time for the club to produce and publish some basic advice for travelling Villans heading east? For example; Having the number of the British Embassy in Moscow pre-programmed into your mobile; Always carrying your passport; Printing off a copy of the Cyrillic/English Metro map from the net etc. etc. Whilst I’m not suggesting it’s downtown Baghdad, Moscow isn’t Prague or Hamburg in disguise and it doesn’t take much to get on the wrong side of the militia and countless other entities. I know that people are responsible for their own safety and well-being and most will have researched on the net prior to the trip but it could be useful to have the club provide a useful reminder of the ‘different’ rules which apply over there. Regards
  8. Good article - and a great European night at Villa Park. A real 'cauldron of noise'. CSKA were a very tidy outfit - so much for hopes of them not being match-fit! I just hope we've got enough in the tank for the trip to Moscow. The flags were a nice touch too. UTV!
  9. Great report as always. Enjoyed the game - real end-to-end stuff. I was amazed at the queues at the turnstiles when we turned up. Good to see Villa, Arsenal and locals all mixing and enjoying the game. Loved the terraces on the far side of the ground - memories! Captain Jack was present wearing some form of unusual headgear - anyone know if his commentary benefitted from his brain being kept warm? Would have been good to have seen Boom-Boom-Bouma make an appearance but I dare say he'll be on the bench for the CSKA game. Any idea how many attended the Hinckley game?
  10. Thanks for your prompt response General. I have spoken at length with Nicky Keye and have a better understanding of the rationale behind the Away Scheme changes – focusing upon the x hundred fans who attend all away games and those who attend at least 90%. I also understand that the away scheme was becoming an extremely difficult ‘beast’ to administer and that the admin fee does not even cover costs. Nicky agreed to monitor the situation, especially in respect of the maximum number of returns being set at three. She also stated that even being outside the Away Scheme as long as one had a healthy booking history then there should be no trouble with obtaining tickets when they go on sale for the vast majority of games. I shall mull over whether I join again or not and watch developments with interest. I was pleased to learn that the Cup Scheme remains the same with regard to cancellations etc.
  11. General, I believe most details for season tickets renewals for next season are very positive and will be viewed as such. I have yet to digest all the details but I’ll certainly be renewing early. Thank you to the club for the initiatives. I do have a concern though regarding the Away Scheme changes. I fully understand the change to allow a maximum number of tickets to be returned but believe the club has set the number too low at three. Four tickets returned and you’re off the away scheme. I have been a member of the scheme this year and have attended as many away games as possible – at least 70%, returning as lower number as possible, however even this small proportion would not be possible with the changes. With childcare issues and the usual balance between Family and AVFC I think this change will penalise a significant proportion of the loyal travelling support that has been so constant throughout this season – Villa’s 12th man. In reality, what it will mean is that there will be a greater number of tickets passed on to others (hopefully just at face value) on sites like VT and H&V. I am fully cognisant of the reason for the change, to discourage those who join and attend only the ‘plum ties’, but would ask the club to reconsider the level at which the bar has been set. I would recommend an amendment allowing at least 30% of tickets to be returned - so around 6 out of 19 would be a more realistic number. This would ensure commitment from scheme members whilst allowing a reasonable number of returns for re-sale to other committed but less frequent away-travellers. If the return of tickets has led to losses to the club of unsold tickets then the 48 hour rule for the return of tickets (allowing a refund) could be increased to 7 days if that reduced the financial exposure to the club? I’m assuming by reading the details on the OS that the cup scheme details remain unchanged from this season. I will be renewing my 2 adult and 2 children’s season tickets in Trinity Road C1 (£1,260+); re-registering for the Cup Scheme and want to attend as many of the Champions League fixtures as possible…(!) having followed the Villa to both Iceland and Hamburg this year. I fear the changes to the Away Scheme and the restrictions imposed may be a ‘Bridge too Far’. Please consider the suggested proposal, I believe it has merit. I look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards
  12. I'd just like to add my two penneth about the flags - great idea and well done to the marketing folks for bringing it to fruition. You can't please all the people all the time - but I think most will see the gesture as it was intended. Keep up the good work!
  13. Thanks Ciaran. I agree that Heskey may not be the big name we were looking for but I think it’s a very astute signing and will be a useful addition to our line-up. I hope he answers any potential critics with his actions on the pitch. Personally I’d like to see Michael Owen but I’m sure people would be wary of him too. The bottom line is that MON knows better than any of us, his squad, their strengths and weaknesses and future plans, so I’m content to let things unfold guided by him. I’m braced and ready for delight and disappointment as most Villans are! Cheers.
  14. Many thanks gents. Was good fun to write. Trying to imagine the subtle changes in 40 years time (which I'm sure you picked up on), whilst still keeping the essence of the same game which we know and love was the interesting bit. Welcome JonoGaff - enjoy VillaTalk!
  15. General, My apologies if this had been asked already. I had the pleasure of attending a reserve match a little while back at VP in the MacGregor Suite and saw the superb painting in the main reception. I’d love to know whether there are any plans to sell copies in the club shop as I honestly think there would be some serious interest. I’d suggest a number of different levels to match the depth of people’s pockets. 1. Limited edition print – framed, signed and numbered by the artist 2. Print – unframed in mailing tube 3. Greeting card sized prints Grateful if you could pass this onto the marketing folks and see if they concur. Very impressed with all that is happening at AVFC – keep up the good work. Semper Fi
  16. Great read Blandy. I thoroughly enjoyed the game from row 21 and agree with your MOTM. I must say I do enjoy going to the Emirates. Terrific stadium. Glad that Villa supplied the atmosphere…! Felt a bit sorry for my young lad who is Arsenal first and Villa second but bearing in mind I remembered his smug little grin when they beat us 5-drubbing at that last match at Highbury, I soon got over it! Going into the Arsenal club shop in my Villa shirt for a little consolation prize for the lad had me thinking I would possibly get lynched but there was no way I was taking it off! I was surprised but pleased that Arsenal fans were nodding and saying 'well done Villa'. Good sportsmanship from fans in this day and age is something to be appreciated. I applaud them for this. Great day all round. Now, about ManU…
  17. Not that I'm in any way qualified to judge AB - but there's no way you could be accused of being a Glory Hunter. Hope you get to Hamburg!
  18. Nice review of the game which was quite enjoyable in an unpressured way. Really impressed by Wayne Routledge. Some of his turns to throw off defenders were superb. Even with the replay it was hard to see which way he had turned. I agree that Stan Petrov is fast becoming ‘The Rock’ in the centre. Marlon even had moments of excellence, the key word being ‘Moments’. I hope this will improve his confidence and like Petrov, will continue to grow and perform. Especially glad we appear to have avoided any injuries. I would have liked to have seen Nathan Delfouneso come on for the last 10 but hey I’m not the manager and MON knows his onions. On the funny side the score board operator appeared to be having an off day. Litex’s goal was recorded as 68mins only 13 minutes after the commencement of the second half (58 mins) and for a while Litex had 23 yellow cards (over 2 per player!) before this was noticed and increased to 1923 (approx 174 each) before setting down to a more reasonable brace. Sadly I missed recording the evidence on my camera. Zanev (23) suffered a blow to his pride from a driven Wayne Routledge ball, which went out for a corner. He fell like a stone right in front of the Holte and duly got the expected sympathy from the thousands above him. The physio duly did the leg bends and extensions to pump the little chaps down from their new location just behind his ears and when this didn’t work Zanev performed some amusing little jumps to try to make ‘em drop. Most males in the crowd were probably like me, laughing whilst feeling sorry for the chap and very glad it wasn’t us trying to restore the crown jewels in front of an unsympathetic Holte End and Trinity Road. My toes eventually uncurled and Wayne Routledge looked totally unconcerned by the discomfort he’d bestowed upon the poor Zanev. Hope the lads are OK Zanev. 27,000 is a good crowd for a Thursday night UEFA match but I really do hope that we will pack the stadium out when we play the group stage matches and of course subsequent rounds if we proceed further. European nights at VP should be something to be experienced and savoured. Good pricing policy from the club – applause and acknowledgement to the marketing folks.
  19. Thanks for that Maqroll - great to hear. I presume from the 3am highlights comment that you're in the US or maybe Canada? We look forward to seeing you at VP again in the future and of Istanbul in May next year for the UEFA Cup Final!
  20. Thanks for the comments folks. MJ: Thanks for the correction on the year of the Chelsea/Leeds game. I was only four. Probably a passing interest rather than my first love. Fantastic that you’ve had Claret & Blue running through your veins for 50 years. Respect! Banned: I agree with your point that it’s whether how Villa does matters or not, which marks one out as a true fan. Sums it up rather well. Also I think someone who once they choose a team in adult life or even late youth – cannot be a GH if they stick with that team through thick and thin. It’s the chopping and changing that marks a GH. Philly: I’m fascinated by the whole family allegiance/independent choice issue. Holte Exile: Maybe I should have put ‘Big Clubs’ in inverted commas! Point taken. I love the fact that people have come to support the Villa through many different means and whether they’ve supported Villa for a season or sixty years, it doesn’t really matter. It’s about the belief, the passion, the commitment and sticking with the Villa through thick and thin. UTV!
  21. Lancs Villan: Many thanks. Great to see someone else agrees with my point of view. It’s great to be part of the wider Villa family and the football community as a whole. I firmly believe that the message boards have a vital part to play in this whole area. VillaVipers: Love the idea of ‘being in touch with one’s Villa side’. Made me chuckle. I think acknowledging that we all go through different stages of life, which may mean we can actively go to VP and away to a greater or lesser extent is important to remember. We should be wary of judging others too quickly. MancVillan: I remember the Blackburn away game a couple of seasons ago – absolutely electric in the away end. Your Villa heritage mirrors mine and totally agree you couldn’t be accused of being a GH. Good to see the passion of fellow Villans.
  22. Totally agree BannedfromH&V. The prices although having increased in some areas have been managed so as to allow 'budget' access in the North Stand lower and to a lesser extent in the upper too. My brother goes to Oxford to support the Yellows in the Blue Green Red Square Triangle Conference Premier (or whatever it's called this year... :winkold: ) and he pays the best part of £20 for football the best part of 4 leagues below us. I find it genuinely encouraging that people keep coming up with 'You've missed out this - or forgotten about that' because it reminds us of how many things are right at Villa. Superb and keep 'em coming!
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