Andy81

When you look at the big picture I think Villa have done well. Really when transitioning from a bad owner to the current one you have while being in an awkward position squad wise where in the proceeding years you've gone from signing far too many championship standard players, to then signing a load of loan players, you shouldn't be unhappy with promotion and then survival. From my point of view Villa were in a bad position after promotion with the squad, especially given promotion via the play offs gives you less time to prepare, there wasn't much more you could do other than what you did, although I'd hope to see a lot more thought and strategy in the market going forward. 12 months ago I read someone on here saying this season was a beachhead season, and that's what's happened, you have a foothold now, and the luxury of some time to breathe and plan. Villa are also a little unlucky with the current situation meaning there probably is less time, I don't know what the summer window will look like. This is where Wolves have been successful, there has been a good, long term clear strategy with our dealings. We did use the loan market as you did, but it was with deals in place to keep the players who suited us. I think the teams coming up will suit Villa, I don't see you going down now, I don't see you ripping up trees either, but it's steady progression from more solid ground.

Absolutely. We rarely sign established players at the top of their game, generally we sign players in the 10m - 20m range with room to grow. Raul was the exception, but he was a risk when we signed him. Our transfer window last summer was very unsuccessful too it should be pointed out. Mendes also works closely with United I believe as well as many on the continent so it's not a one club thing at all.

I think you're right. Only worry would be if players have a taste for it now, but I think European football could be a shit show next season.

This isn't right, I believe Fosun had a relationship with him before they bought the club. The first year we had a couple of bad managers as we just missed out on our first choice Logetegui who chose to be Spain coach before taking over Real Madrid, so I trust they have a good selection process for managers, which is something they do apparently as an investment group across all industries. If we lost Nuno we would suffer, but it's an attractive position and they've selected the best coaching team of my lifetime so I'd trust them to do a decent job again. Gutted to miss out (probably) on Europe, but if you're going to miss a season, next season is probably a good one to miss.

There are loads of us down here. I don't spend my time counting though, that's just odd. I've met Villa fans too, more Wolves fans, but that's to be expected as I'm more likely to notice them as they're generally better looking.

I bloody hope so.

Not much to say other than congratulations lads!

haha, fair point. At least there is a gap, I'm definitely nowhere near Yorkshire.

'Dingle', a term stolen from Blackburn for Burnley used because they're close to Yorkshire I think. Very clever that one.

Absolutely hate Black Country Derbies so not too happy about this. They'll finish 20th yet beat us twice I'm sure of it.

I can understand why you don't like him, but to me it's so bad it's kinda funny if you know what I mean. He's about to suffer some shit though I have heard he's actually a Blues fan, but I don't know. By the way, congratulations on your win, helped us out a bit there too!

Yeah I agree they’ve been less than their best this season in general, personally I love to see things shaken up at the top, I really hope a non-traditional top six team makes the Champions League this season.

It’s been going that way for a while. You used to need 40 points to stay up too. Last season we finished 7th on a similar points total. It’s changed a lot in ten years, it’s not a one off.

Apparently he had a good game away at Espanyol, but I was far too pissed to notice.

Can't make my mind up about it, but definitely more of a shout than the mess you guys had.

I'm gutted we can't go, I love Germany. I went to Cologne, where the Europa League final will be, for the England v Sweden game in 2006, great city. Es tut mir leid.

Fair enough, I don't remember well enough to say. I think we'd all give Nuno a ten year contract if possible, no one has lost sight of how far we've come in a short period, every club needs to stay on it's toes however. Given how we've played during the comeback I can see us dropping to 8th which would be a disappointing end to the league season. If we make it past Olympiakos however, the mini tournament in Germany should be fun, although it's a very hard route to the final now. My gut is telling me Olympiakos will beat us unfortunately.

Can't speak for everyone, but Nuno isn't above criticism. We were bloody awful against Arsenal and Sheffield United, no one wants anyone else but Nuno in charge, but it's fine to wonder why he doesn't use his bench for example.

I thought the same. Probably right.

Seems like an exaggeration, I haven't seen any of this. Do you have some links? There has been some fair criticism, we were terrible, and Nuno made a mistake trying to play Adama through the middle. That's not turning on him.

I very much hope scouts across Europe agree with the assessments in here!

He's already in one of those.

Just popped in to say good luck for tonight, would be super if you could help us out a bit :)

Yeah, I don't really know why we've accepted this. Apparently the rules are games should be at least 48 hours apart. Our win yesterday was very important as a result of this. Money talks I guess.

Your fans are being a good laugh on the train