A'Villan

Want to see more from this young man. Impressed with the little I've seen. Thought he and Davis have played some delightful 1, 2's with each other, obvious playing rapport there.

Unfortunately I don't think so. American football wants to raise it's standards not fill limited import spots with the likes of Richards. I like the fact that you mention a loan deal though, we're never going to play him, so why not have someone subsidise part of his wage and allow his career to continue at the same time. Richards doesn't seem to have a bad attitude, so I don't know on this one. I don't rate his footballing abilities so maybe it is a case of no one wanting to give him a try.

I'm beginning to appreciate the difficulty of this league. Being an Australian based supporter, I've never really been exposed to knowing anything about England's second division. For automatic promotion, we're going to have to be relentless and composed. Beat the teams below and around us, over a period significantly longer than required in the top division. Fortunately I think we've got that in us, and wouldn't be surprised in the slightest if Cardiff and Wolves get severe payback for the way our first fixtures panned out. A playoff position would be better than missing it, but will be filled by teams who can beat us on their day, so I'd obviously rather us get the results for automatic promotion. Imagine if the Premier League title was decided by playoffs? I doubt Guardiola's City would be as comfortable in victory as they have been by being able to aquire a points tally over a season. My point being that every game during the home and away is so important in collecting points on the board if we want promotion, whereas in the Premier League, I could stomach a loss or missed opportunity a little easier as long as I could enjoy the quality of football. In the Championship I'm rooting for every inch gained on our opponent in the points tally department. It's not a huge difference ultimately, but from my experience of this season it is more heavily contested by more teams and the room for error finer.

What excites me is that what Steve Bruce can do at a club of our size is an unknown. Yet he has demonstrated ability in his roles elsewhere. Totally agree with you that different situations bring out different qualities in people, and perhaps, Bruce, with better quality systems and players at his disposal will bring better performances as a manager than we have seen from him in the past. I mean just take a look at what can potentially happen at the opposite end of the spectrum, Paul Lambert, absolutely kicking all the goals you can with Norwich, then it all falls apart for him at Villa, momentarily at least. The difference between say Lambert and Bruce is, Bruce seems to have a hierarchy that will be investing rather than pulling the rug out from underneath. So hopefully we're in for some success from top to bottom for the first time in a while. Who's to say Bruce is limited to relegation battles and championship promotion? Maybe he is, but we've not seen him at a club of our stature.

I remember thinking that the case in point for it being true was pretty sound, though I don't remember the details. Never a convincing perspective when you can't remember the details! You're right to point out though that my source is from the media. I just remember thinking at the time that the article had sound reasoning rather than speculation. I'm aware of what the coach said.

That's disappointing and a little unprofessional on both ends in my view, but hey, that's what personality conflict can cause. Haven't seen the interviews myself but trust your judgement.

14 goals in 16 games, even in Australia, would suggest otherwise. We don't know how legitimate his reasons for missing training are, we can only speculate. The media would suggest and have us think that he has discipline issues. Yet there are so many variables and factors to consider. Not that I really care to when it comes to Ross lol. I could be wrong though, maybe you have greater insight in to his attitude and track record than I do, and he is not reliable. I do know that he missed training in Australia and as a result was dropped. I just take it as possible that his reasons are honest and missed out because he wasn't there to prepare for the upcoming performance.

Didn't realise it was 3 months. He was certainly involved in the build up to others, and had some near misses since. So it's not as if he was playing poorly in that time.

Nervous about this one, as I tend to be when there's anything at stake for Villa. Automatic promotion is so important this year, we just can't afford not to bag 3 points in this game. The more points we gain, the less pressure on the team, and I feel that will be more beneficial than any hindrance for us this season. I don't see complacency being an issue, rather chasing bets when the chips are down. So let's hope it doesn't come to that. I don't care who we see on the pitch, as long as there's cohesion and chemistry. Anyone know if this will be shown on AVTV to international viewers?

Hopefully, on all the points you make.

Completely agree. The bigger picture is a return to the Premier League, all there is to it. I just think Davis' has done a great job when called upon, and could see us continuing to win with him playing. Some people, despite their age and maturity, can handle pressure. Davis can certainly cope physically.

I want to see this kid playing, even starting. I think he has competed and conducted himself admirably, and honestly, with enough game time, could see him continually rising to the occassion and new heights like Kane has for Spurs. Not sure what Grabban's signing means for Davis, in the short term at least. I think we have such a richly talented group of youngsters and it would be a shame for them not to get a good shot at fulfilling their potential. This group includes Davis, O'Hare, Grealish and Onomah. All four I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see have good Premier League careers.

Really? He is quite a talented young man, and if we didn't have Grealish would be starting on merit for me. Could be true, what you say about his attitude, he's young afterall and I wouldn't have a clue if he is a grinder or a princess, although undoubtedly talented. He will have a hard time making a case for Spurs. Their midfield is so young and skilled. One of the best in England for the next 10 years, from front to back, starters to bench. I was actually hoping we might play him at CM ahead of or alongside one of Lansbury or Hourihane, as Grealish has AM on lock. Providing that he would get enough game time to develop, I wouldn't be against us making this one a permanent signing.

Very impressive record here in Australia. Put David Villa's efforts to shame. No joke, slightly harsh. I was actually a bit disappointed to see the loan signing of Grabban, even though he is an unknown entity for me. I was hoping both Ross and Steve could be professional and put the club first rather than being a laggard in Ross' case and a bit unforgiving in Bruce's. Would of saved us some money anyway. Ross is certainly capable at this level. Ross actually did miss games here in Australia due to being 'punished' for being absent at training. So maybe there's a serious lack of seriousness with him.

I actually still hold Gabby in quite high esteem. On topic though, I would be so pleased if Jack were to be a one club man. I really think we have a player who has untapped and vast potential. He's still so young, yet so poised and composed, technically sound, really is above and beyond this level and could be a very decent Premier League player. Delph is playing for and about to win a title with City, I think Jack will go on to be the better player.

Claudio Ranieri. "Slowly, slowly." Could be the man to win us the Premier League, afterall, he did it with the Foxes. Known as the tinkerman for a reason, and we have a very deep squad, riddled with talent, perfect for tinkering. Then there is Benitez. I doubt there is a bigger name, more easily attainable. I imagine Villa would be a bigger prospect than continuing to work with Newcastle. I'm quite happy for Bruce to rise to the occassion though. It's an unknown what he can do at a club of our size, with an owner of our backing.

haha *Awaits ban for being an advertising account* Although proud of my roots and former posting past, I can safely say VT is the place to be, multiply by 3. How's that?

I think we might be on similar pages, I mentioned privilege, not ease. If you could see my other posts on Steve Bruce (most being on another forum), I have only commended his efforts and wish him the best in regards to putting forward a case for being our manager when and if we return to the Premier League. I can tell you from my experience as a semi-professional athlete, that a losing mentality that a club has ony survives as long as it's roots do. Villa have rid of an owner putting unrealistic and heavy constraints on his managers, have appointed a competent manager, and appointed talented and competent playing staff. Bruce is not alone in the turn around of our mentality as a club. He is just at the head of what goes on on the pitch, which I don't mean to undermine, as it's such a vital role. So I wonder if you mistake my using the privelege expression as a means to take anything away from the fantastic and hard work Bruce is doing, I'm not.

Sorry for delayed reply, I haven't been online. Sure you can, I'm 28 in March, following Villa every week since 2010. I can elaborate. It's quite simple. I'm not having a dig at him, I just haven't seen another manager with the quality of playing staff, in comparison to that of his opponents, in my time as a Villa supporter. Basically every manager has had difficulties imposed on them from above the chain since Houllier (who obviously had his own difficulties with health), I even include McLeish in this. Bruce hasn't inherited the problems we have faced of recent, he's inherited a position where by he is the most heavily backed manager in the division, with a totally stacked squad full of talent and experience. No other manager has been afforded this in my time. Wouldn't you agree that is privilege?

I don't want to chime in on the comparison between him and previous Villa managers, as each situation is unique, and I think Bruce has easily been the most priveleged in my time as a supporter. Not taking away from the job he is doing. I really hope he continues improving this team and puts forward a case to be considered for our return to the Premier League. Not because I particularly like him, I just want us to have success and am open to that being through Bruce. You only need to look at the contrast in success and style between Lambert's Norwich days to his Villa days. Things change and new experiences can bring out different qualities in people. Perhaps Bruce will be out of his depth in the Premier League, or maybe he will find a way to make it work with Villa. So far I think we've been fairly impressive under him, considering where we were at from a performance perspective. The results that will determine automatic promotion weren't going our way in the beginning, but the quality and standards we are playing to are strengthening and I feel like we are a very good shout to be the dominant force of the second half of the season.

Wolves have really kicked on and it's hard to see them missing out on automatic promotion, even though we've still got plenty to play. I don't watch the Championship outside of our games so it's difficult to have a valuable input on who's going to join us in the mix. All I know, and care about, is that we are improving and are closing in on automatic promotion. If things keep up, we'll be playing like a Premier League side by the final stretch of this season.

Wanted to make my first post about Jack. His control, touch, shooting and through balls are a pleasure to watch. Happy for him to be such an influential part of some wins and in good form. Onomah will have to come up with something special to displace him, and I highly doubt that will happen as Grealish only seems to be getting more comfortable. I agree with KSV above, he has the talent and skill to be scoring and assisting in this league. I'm sure that will come though. He's had some very good attempts. I think anyone saying he wasn't very influential against Forest is mistaken. I'd say he was easily as influential as Adomah and Snodgrass. We created some good chances and could have had more than one for sure and Jack played his role in that. The weight on his passes is near perfect at times. Easily Premier League quality there. His shooting ability and placement is there for all to see, so if he can start to convert that talent and potential into consistent scoring we have a very decent player. From a purely potential perspective he reminds me of Wilshere. I think Jack can go on to be better but he needs the playing time to develop.

I've been a lurker on these boards for some time. Having been a member of another forum that has lost it's members, I thought it a good time to follow some of those members to this site. I have been following Villa each week since 2010. My current favourites are Grealish and Kodjia, but I'm impressed with most of the squad and look forward to seeing if Bruce can turn this team in to a Premier League standard competitor before it's time to actually play in the top division again. He has my backing and confidence to get us out of this league, hopefully he puts forward a case for beyond. 5-0 against Bristol was the first real indicator we're ready. Let's hope the wins continue and we see automatic promotion. I enjoy expressing my opinion on Villa and taking in the opinions of others, so I will be a fairly active contributor.