Midfielder

Indeed. We are lucky to have the owners we do, putting all these building blocks in place and not just throwing everything at fancy overpaid players with a hope they can drag us up the table. They don't put all of their eggs in one basket in this way, they have sound strategies in place for the medium and long term and recognise where we are and where they want us to be. On the back of the update in the Tony Xia thread too, I shudder to think of the opposite circumstance we could have been in with an asset stripping potentially, or in the least a few more steps backward. Here we are, discreetly advancing behind the scenes, catching up with the elite / CL teams. I also like how our owners dont shout this sort of stuff, they just get it done, no pointscoring with the fans. The results will be tangible and our forward view is very promising. First class stadium, state-of-the-art training ground and soon even more youth development facilities around the VP area. Truly exciting and evermore proud times to be a Villa fan.

Hi Hippo, Apols was in a meeting and one at 330. Sure, no problem. I was referring to the guts pretty much of the articles below as a quick grab. The bolt-on / indoor centre facilities I referred to relate to the urban centres shown on the map below, hopefully it attaches. My post above, was a blast to the state of Blues, and the onwards and upwards of our team. This below is what I mean as to the continual evolving of our club and its infrastructure. There'll be better articles than these, I'm a bit rushed sorry bud. Cut and pasted directly from this article: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/breaking-aston-villa-academy-brookvale-20689285 Aston Villa have received approval for a new inner-city academy that has been labelled a 'game-changer'. Birmingham City Council's Planning Committee met on Thursday to discuss plans submitted by the club for the new academy off Brookvale Road in Aston. The state-of-the-art setup is only 500 yards from Villa Park and is part of Villa 's plans to attract inner-city talent who cannot get to the club's Bodymoor Heath training ground in Sutton Coldfield, around 12 miles away from the stadium. Concerns were raised by residents in Aston about traffic and congestion because of the new structure while in the council documents assessing the approval of the plans the use of floodlights was raised and how that might impact on houses nearby. However, the floodlights will be turned off when not in use with a curfew of 9pm. also ... "The scale and design of the buildings and pitches, associated car parking, landscaping and lighting have all been carefully considered and, subject to conditions, will not result in unacceptable harm to the amenities of the neighbouring residential properties, highway safety or the ecological corridor of the River Tame." The new academy will sport a full-size indoor 3G pitch, an outdoor 3G pitch with floodlighting and six changing rooms, an office, parents' lounge and storage with a new hub being built. BirminghamLive reported in March how the original submission was made in October last year and is considered to be a 'game-changer' by people within the club. It is part of the club's drive to recruit the best young talent in the city and comes just days after the Under-18s won the FA Youth Cup on Monday. Also this article from Dec from this site https://www.business-live.co.uk/commercial-property/aston-villa-plan-new-academy-19426135 excerpt: The application covers two sites either side of the River Tame which is currently used by match-day staff as a car park. The plans mirror Aston Villa's new £14 million academy base at Bodymoor Heath which opened during the summer following a two-year build project. Rugby-based practice HB Architects has designed the new academy. It is the same firm which worked on the Holte Suite at Villa Park and the revamp of Bodymoor Heath which had to undergo a redesign because the HS2 high-speed rail line will cut through part of the site. HB Architects also created the indoor training pitch at Wolverhampton Wanderers FC which sits inside a huge ‘dome', with plans for a similar building at the new Villa academy. A planning statement said: "The new youth academy is a facility that will be available by invitation to young players in the city who are selected as part of the club's academy programme. "By providing the facility in the shadow of the main stadium, and also in an urban location that is easily accessible on foot, cycle and by public transport, there is a greater opportunity for those young people who may not have access or the support to travel the 12km to the Bodymoor Heath training ground facility. "The Witton Road Academy proposals are modest and focus on providing appropriate football training facilities on single indoor and outdoor pitches. "A purpose-built, two-storey building will provide the required changing facilities, a lounge for players and parents to use that overlooks the indoor pitch and ancillary office space." --- I can look more later, gotta go! Sh-tty videocon (WFH). dunno why theres underline in the text above, i havent added it UTV

Just a mention and an unnecessary reminder of this great club having redevelopments in the pipeline, for the stadium, the surrounding areas and the bolt-on facilities near to the ground with the indoor centers that got awarded their planning permissions etc, Bodymoor Heath too of course. Also an ode to the owners and operational infrastructure of our club in general for having the plan to recognise advancement in this way as we continue to evolve as a club off the pitch and for budgeting the finance to enable. Especially since the scumbags in Small Heath are finding out their beloved Trillion Trophy stadium is halfways condemned at least for a couple of matches, the absolute opposite of the above. As we grow, proactively building for the future.... they reactively, desperately, clamour to apply their band aids to two stands to con the HSE and get out of a PR disaster regarding the safety of their stadium, knowingly taking ticket sales for stands they knew weren't "safe" for for the public to be seated within. Villa Park = Kate Upton Trillion Trophy Stadium = Jo Brand, first thing in the morning with no makeup. And pink-eye.

They really are the gift that keeps on giving. All this time of stadiums being closed to fans, they have had as has been said above, ample time to do some maintenance, reviews of their facilities, get things ship-shape for the new season. Here they are, closing two stands at the start of the season. HOW EMBARRASSING. What a tinpot dumpstation it is. Everyone has been gagging to have things return to normal and get to games once more... and here their fans are, waiting on a statement as to how Small Heath's lack of operations / facilities management, will affect them in at least the next two home games. What an absolute joke of a club. There is no way for them to put some alternate spin on this. Then again if only 6k fans turned up last night for the first competitive home match since pre-Covid times then maybe they have abandoned the club altogether and have sacked Blues off. Good. I relish their turmoil. S O T effing C.

Morning! It is a small world! I have been running a Predictions League for years for my work (originally the Talksport one, until that folded then crap ones since), this is the first year we have done it on this Predict The Football site. All set up weeks ago, then I go to submit my predictions and check the Villa league it attached me to. Then I start seeing the names off this site. One by one, then more and more. So I put the website name into the search bar of this site and it brought me here! It is a small world. I will create another ID on the site as the other one is my name. None of my colleagues are Villa fans either. Anyway. Good luck all and cheers Maqroll for setting up!

word of the day: mästarklass

I've just seen some terribly edited highlights on Youtube not worth posting until a more official source does, but you're right, that was a disgrace from Goldson, it looked like Goldson himself was the one who committed any foul at all, it was his foot down the lad's leg, yet play acted as if he was the victim. That's a real unjust sending off that. Some karma in the result maybe. Bit of a shocker that scoreline. Two clear goals on aggregate, secured away, and from being ten men down, and already the underdogs going in to the game in front of a baying, full Ibrox. That is no fluke, a deserved victory it seems. The Malmo lads on here are probably phoning in sick tomorrow! Enjoy! Dizzy heights! Onto the playoffs.

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaait a minute. So let me get this straight. 1st half. Rangers went ahead. In injury time Malmo go down to ten men. The score is 2-2 on aggregate (away goals don't count) at half time. What the hell did Tomasson say at half time 2nd half - Malmo score two... the score is 4-2 on aggregate and it's in injury time, I have only managed to tune in to the radio coverage for the end... this match sounds crazy. This was already an underdog story in the making.... there is going to be a lot of ahem "reaction" to this in Scotland. Congrats to the MFF:are! EDIT: from BBC NEW Posted at 21:5221:52 FULL-TIME - Rangers 1-2 Malmo (2-4 agg) Rangers crash out of the Champions League qualifiers against 10-man Malmo. A masterclass from the Swedish side in how to play a man down for 45 minutes.

kick off approaching. ps just saw this on bbc site

I guess also it is tricky what with Euro tv rights / price / platform. It is a shame things are so fragmented all round and that we can't just watch UK games on normal telly and you guys too. I should imagine! Only a few hours to go. Also... so, I just caught up and watched this below. Jumps straight into the second half, good goals and everyone will recognise the third scorer for sure. Three good goals in this game. Malmo's second, that finish, was more clinical and precise than nanosurgery. Superb first too, hardcore finish. 1pm , I'm off to lunch. Good luck for later! So, get past Rangers and a playoff awaits (2 leg). Youtube of first leg.

Much like here then. I wouldn't be bothered one bit how Man City / Liverpool / Chelsea did in European competition or any final which sounds hypocritical for me as a patriot. Football does that!

So as for the culture surrounding this match. Out of interest then... Is this on normal Swedish TV / a part of a satellite / PPV subscription? I presume this is box-office high demand with the buzz today Despite rivalries, will Swedish football fans in general be backing Malmo tonight?

Lifted directly from the Daily Record (Scottish newspaper, source if wanted : https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/jondahltomasson-veiled-rangers-cash-dig-24723468 , bit of sensationalism to the article's slant but he's not wrong, picked out a couple of things : Malmo boss John Dahl Tomasson reckons the heat is on Rangers – because the Scottish champs need the Champions League cash. The Swedes are looking to finish the job in Glasgow on the back of last week’s shock 2-1 first leg win and their manager laughed off suggestions his men will be under pressure protecting their lead. Gers need to win by two clear goals with the away goal rule scrapped this season and former Denmark star Tomasson aimed a cheeky pop at the Light Blues on the eve of the showdown. When asked who was under the most pressure to qualify, he said: “Don’t you think that they need the Champions League ’s money here? I think so. I think they need that. I think that’s a good answer, isn’t it? I think you all are clever lads so you understand it. “We got a good result last week but if it had been 2-0 it would have been an incredible result. Rangers are the big favourites in this game. “If you look at the finances then we can’t compare the two teams. “My players are motivated for a game against a very good side. “Rangers have some excellent players and a great manager and it is good to see them back where they belong. “It will be a challenge but we are up for it and we will do our best.” Malmo have been the scourge of Scottish sides in recent times – dumping Rangers out of the Champions League qualifiers when they were last at this stage a decade ago before knocking out Ronny Delia’s Celtic and embarrassing Hibs 9-0 on aggregate in the Europa League. But Tomasson challenged his class of 2021 to create another shock on Scottish soil. He said: “For our supporters it’s always fine to have that history because it’s a walk down memory lane of big results. “I think this Glasgow Rangers side is better than 10 years ago so I don’t use that much energy regarding that. “We won last week and everyone of my players should think about writing a new chapter in the history of Malmo. “They have technical players with lovely skill and power and running capacity. It’s a good side and not just the first XI. They actually have two teams that are good. “We have to do the right things with the ball as well as defending. The first game was a solid game by us against a big favourite. We saw where the space was in that game and hopefully we can take advantage of that space even more. “Every player and manager lives for big moments in big game. It is a huge game so first of all enjoy it. “It’s lovely that we have come through the first round of qualification and the ambition for the club was to get to the group stages in Europe. “We have done that so we are allowed to dream now.” Tomasson insisted his side won’t be scared by a packed Ibrox – and they’ll even relish being booed again. He said: “I think the fans are looking forward to that as well. They’ve missed it.

I think i was turned on by the fact that suddenly this moneybags dude turns up, seems to create some direct dialog with the fans etc and have an ambition to take us up. How that novelty wore off. The BS emoji tweets, and our lavish spends on the likes of Ross McCormack etc for stupid money etc. I think people were glad of some positivity but it soon became very tacky and very questionable. Particularly as things turned sour. Then came an almost awkwardness, that having created this persona, he couldn't keep it up. Being that direct with fans puts you in the line for their criticism too, he soon shut up. it is crazy looking back that that period actually happened. The guy didn't know football. Didn't know the industry. Fast forward to now... NSWE, they too didn't know football fully at all but they made damned sure they got people that did to implement an infrastructure here. Look at Purslow especially, seems to have done a bloody good job. Latest example, their management and factual dialog to the fans about the Grealish sale. Explaining it to the fans and the media. Honest, direct. We really are lucky now. In fact, outside of this, I think a lot of people in sports media actually give us respect for this. I genuinely think we are seen as a good example of good owners and good back room management. The inner working of this club now, compared to where we came from and the mess they had to sort, fair play. Behind the scenes we have plans, whether it is a direct 5 year to CL qualification who knows, I think they can adjust for some leeway within that to adjust targets, but thats the aim. To aim that high and seemingly year on year put the components in place, fair play. As for Xia, if he was a puppet for something else, that is a scary episode we are glad to be done and over with. Where we are now, and where we may be going ... who'd have thought it. I WOULD HATE TO BE A BLUENOSE RIGHT NOW.

You're not wrong, some of the buyouts in the Championship especially have been a disgrace that have set respective clubs back years. A threat to football used to be rich playboys buying clubs as vanity projects, a toy even. We live in a world now where it is way beyond that and things behind the scenes are somewhat more sinister (the true funding and ownership) and the regulatory oversight of club ownership from UK authorities is a disgrace. Just looks at Small Heath too and that Carson Yeung (spelling) fella.

Right so, I am back from Zeta Reticuli having been kidnapped by aliens for three years, no probeage. Today's news of relevance, today is a big one for Malmo fans then, an opportunity to get past Rangers in the Champions League qualifiers. 8pm UK time, Rangers v Malmo. Technically then, it is in the hands of Malmo, leading 2-1 from the first leg. Correct me if I am wrong, but the away goals rule I think was scrapped in european competition for this season? Celtic were dumped out of the Champions League qualifiers and you know how that works with the Rangers rivalry. The ribbing, that Celtic fans got regarding that, on so many levels this is a match that Rangers have to win, if you follow. It goes beyond the fixture and the competition qualifier itself, the pride, the oneupmanship, Rangers will be hell bent on winning this at all costs, especially after that surprise loss at Dundee Utd. To go away, to Ibrox, stop Rangers scoring... this is a massive massive task for Malmo and Noelvilla et al and their fans will have everything crossed. A little something educational (source: Google): MFF: Fans of Malmö FF are called MFF:are (the word is the same in singular and plural). and some context below, cut and pasted directly from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58137804 Champions League third qualifying round second leg: Rangers v Malmo Venue: Ibrox Date: Tuesday, 10 August Time: 20:00 BST Steven Gerrard says Rangers can "flip the mood" with victory against Malmo on Tuesday. Rangers have lost two in a row after the Swedes opened up a 2-1 lead in the Champions League qualifying tie before Dundee United inflicted Rangers' first league defeat in 17 months. Jon Dahl Tomasson's Malmo warmed up for the return leg at Ibrox with a 0-0 draw with Halmstads. "We only need one performance to light the fire again," said Gerrard. Do Rangers have cause for concern before Malmo tie? "We're two games in in terms of the league and one game in in terms of Europe. It's still very early days. We won't use any excuses. The last two performances haven't been to the level that we've set. "Our Ibrox form in terms of European games has been pretty strong. I expect a good performance and we can flip the mood of the previous seven days with a real strong performance and the result that we want. We can change it pretty quickly." With Scotland's Covid-19 restrictions easing this week, Rangers have been given permission for a capacity crowd, which will be a first at Ibrox since the March 2020 defeat by Bayer Leverkusen. And Gerrard added: "We haven't played in front of a full house at Ibrox for a long time. We're really looking forward to it. "I called on them after last week's game. The fans will be full of passion for the boys. We've got to give them a performance to match that." Team news Glen Kamara and Kemar Roofe remain suspended for the hosts but Leon Balogun returns from his European ban. Alfredo Morelos missed the first leg as he quarantined on return from the Copa America but the Colombia striker came through 82 minutes of Saturday's 1-0 loss at Dundee United. Ianis Hagi and Fashion Sakala are fit again, leaving Ryan Jack and Nikola Katic as the only injury absentees. What did we learn from the first leg? After shading an uneventful first half, Rangers were caught napping at the start of the second half in Sweden, conceding twice inside three minutes. The Ibrox side were rusty in possession against a side well into their domestic season and failed to cause the well-drilled Malmo defence many problems but they did find a second wind late in the game and Steven Davis' last-gasp strike could be invaluable. What they said Rangers midfielder Steven Davis: "We all know and accept that we underperformed at the weekend. There's no panic. We know we need to be better. "We expect an electrifying atmosphere with the fans behind us but it's important to remain calm. We want that intensity, that controlled aggression but you have to play with a cool head as well. I think we're at our best when we get that balance right and play with control. "I didn't think there was a whole lot in the first leg. It's going to be another tight game. "Malmo are a good team. They played with cohesion, defended well and obviously carry a threat. But we have to have belief that if we get to the level we know we can then we have a good opportunity to get through." Malmo midfielder Anders Christiansen: "We have to deal with Rangers' energy, especially in the first part of the game. "If we can keep the ball like we did in Malmo and create chances then we will have a good chance. "We can't defend for 90 minutes, if you do that it can be a long game. Our strength is to attack and try to score some goals."

Not surprised, something never did add up. How that got through the Premier League's investigative committee thing I have no idea. The polar opposite extremes of NSWE / Xia. How lucky we are now, scary to think what could have been.

Good luck Tammy, I hope this move happens for him. What an amazing place to live and work. I grew up in the days of James Richardson / Football Italia and have always had a thing for Serie A and love it when Brits go abroad. I'm not sure how many seasons it'll be before he is purchased by a team here, but in the time he is there, if he does, I think he will be a big success for them. Tammy needed a consistent run, not rotation. A chance to be first XI and hold down a starting spot, even when banging in goals for Chelsea sometimes it wasn't enough to stay in the team. On another note, as an Englishman, I welcome any English forward getting the chance to advance their game and do well. I am not happy with Kane being the first name on the sheet and his latest antics are a disgrace to his employers and his profession. His stock is in decline. Good luck Tammy. Take the move. Do well for Roma, and in the medium term let's see if you can up your stock to oust Kane (you'll be competing with Ollie and Ingsy though!).

It really would, I'd love to go there. It seems such a cauldron of a place. Such a unique stadium. I have always had a thing for Boca, the legends that have come through their ranks. Always loved Maradona as a kid, despite erm 1986, but for me I'd have loved to have gone back in time to see Juan Roman Riquelme in either spell there, maybe even against River. I still look out for original name / numbered Riquelme shirts on Ebay to this day on a saved search but "not at that price thanks", someone will f--- up one day (with the pricing). That's hilarious in a way of your friend ending up amongst centenary celebrations in the mix with people whose following of a club is beyond religion, and of course the relevance of their nationality within that history. It is a unique "perk" of randomness not well known worldwide. As for kits 21-22, in case it hasn't been put up there's this one below. Hardly their worst, as far as it goes, but I like to think the lines are representative of sedimentary layers of blue-tinged shit that they have and continue to endure over the years. F--- Boyle Sports too, if I were to open a betting account with anyone, well it won't be them. I usually have a personal embargo against anyone that sponsors them.

Haven't heard of the lad but seems to get a positive reaction from those that are familiar with him on here. I am not switched on with the French league at all. My thoughts are though... - If he came in, would that be as a squad option? or as an intended first X1'er? - if squad, what's wrong with Nakamba (as backup for Doug)? He seems to love it here and is an all round good egg. If chances came up, I would like to see him get opportunities. Or is he further down the pecking order already then / are we open to offer for him... - or does that mean Doug will be less defensive and pushed up to MC? - or will we be playing with two DMCs? - if we got him what does this mean for potential JWP bid for MC position? I am sure that depending on the opposition, we will be fluid with formation changes and obviously need players in a variety of positions. Nothing wrong with packing a squad with mroe depth and skilful players but if we were to make a change to a DMC position, surely better to get someone who is a class and above anyone we have in that position including Douglas Luiz? As well, wouldn't Cheikh expect the same amount of games as Nakamba? Would you leave France to come and sit on our bench for most of the season and compete with Nakamba? Maybe this is just agent BS given agents will use us to bounce bids off the wall for other clubs, but if this move happened, I would wish the lad well but I would be slightly underwhelmed. We don't have to spend the money we have left / Jack's money but, in reaching for that next step, to advance, is this guy really the answer? I mean fine if a squad option but then, no point having him, Nakamba and Luiz. I mean we have 38 fixtures in the league and a few more games in the FAC and the LC, no Europe and if we are on a streak, the gaffer likes to stick with the same XI a lot of the time. Sanson, although MC, is already due appearances when the chances come, and a bold step taking the 8 shirt too. Not sure about this link but does give food for thought. I think he would struggle for game time.

and as far as I am aware, if you present your Swedish passport at the gate, you are permitted free entry too.

Have a good rest now Doug! Congrats!

Here's another take on an aspect of this transfer. The behaviour of Ings and his agent. Danny Ings has good stock. England international, a 20 goal a season striker. In his prime years. Natural finisher. Puts in a good shift and has a positive attitude. Unlucky with injuries but passed a medical, they have no concerns nor do I. The thing is, the swiftness of this transfer, maybe it was the case we bid, offered terms, him and his agent agreed on them. He signs, and with minimal fanfare. Him and his agent could have touted those tabled terms to other clubs more and held out toward the end of the window aiming at the likes of .... Arsenal? Spurs to replace Kane? Modern agents are greedy, underhand and all about exploiting that stock most times it seems, playing one club off another... Club A have offered £X, then goes to club B, C, D, create demand and a bidding war etc Danny seems like a decent lad, I kinda get the feeling this deal went through in the more natural way. Bid received, terms, signs. A sign of the player saying "no Mr Agent, this is the one, I am not waiting for other clubs, make Villa happen" etc. Lange will have been instrumental in that too no doubt for speed and whatever legal / paperwork processes are involved. I just wanted to point that out, commendable Danny. No f---ing about, done deal. 29 years old I don't mind. Vardy is 34/35, I see him as that type of forward, our Vardy. I even looked on wikipedia last night, apparently to this day, his Dad is a tradesman, a brickie / builder or something, living in the same house for years. Kind of indicates to me that Danny is from good working stock, grounded. If I was a millionaire footballer I'd sort my parents out so they could retire there and then, but Ings senior just grafts on. Just hearing little things like this, and his charity work too, fair play to the lad. I like attitudes like that. I like this move a lot. Have always respected the lad as a footballer and I think he will be an instant hit. A move aged 29, is a pivotal move in a career, you are at your prime, your output too. His goals last year, some of them were just jaw dropping. Loving it.

I was going to be a skinflint this year (having got the pro version as a treat, never again) and keep last year's Villa shirt as the one for this year, still Cazoo, still Kappa etc. But... Grealish 10 on the back, wrecked it. Can't wear that now! At least there's a lotta choice for us all who wore Grealish 10 shirts this season! I feel sorry for anyone who got the new shirt and in good faith had Grealish 10 on the back, young kids especially. I mean afterall, he attended the kit launch, unnecessary looking back. No point contemplating it now, but still on top of all the little things everyone has said on here about well why this why that, for me, the very day was it before he flew out for mini holiday with the England boys, there was no need for him to even attend for the kit photo shoot. That's something I still can't get my head around. He didn't have to attend, he was on annual leave sort of after England, seemed like an indicator at the time. Leaves a bad taste with me, that. Especially if he knew he was off or likely to be, he could have just stayed on holiday. Unless it was contractual etc. Ah well never mind. So today is the day then. The end of one era, but the post-Jack era will see eleven talismans on the pitch getting deserved spotlights. Jack was the media focus of attention on our team, rarely did I ever see any praise in the press for the at times stellar performances of say Matt Targett especially for instance. A lot of it just got absorbed with the Aston Grealish FC kind of thing. Equal chance to shine for all the other lads.