NeilS

We are going to be deep in trouble if we can't put up a fight against the likes of Spurs. Yes they are a good side, but to just accept defeat without even a whimper is a disgrace. McLeish has to go imo, he has no idea how to manage a succesful side in this division. For him it is all about keeping it tight and maybe nicking a goal, it was the same with sha and we saw what happened with them. Unfortunately we can't even keep it tight. I have been giving him time, but he has had the luxury of a pre-season (something Houllier didn't have) and he has churned out some really terrible performances. We haven't had any real positive displays at all this season, even last season we had some glimmers of hope. It is going to be a tough season, and I hope that we can clock up enough points to avoid relegation and Randy finally realises what a stupid decision he has made before it's too late.

So his excellency the Qatari Prime Minister with the worlds longest name still hasn't taken over us? In Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani we trust!

Yeah, that name might prove tricky to incorporate into a terrace chant. it doesn't quite roll off the tongue as easily as "One Randy Lerner".

And 1982 is not that long ago ... RL came in on a tide of emotion about the chance of Villa being restored to that pinnacle if you would recall.

It depends on your perspective. To me it is a very long time ago. I was 6 years old when we won the European Cup, now I'm almost 36 years old. It is a distant memory for me unfortunately. For those who are a little older than me, it probably still burns brightly in their memories.

When Randy came in there was a lot of PR, as you expect from Americans. It is what they do well. Sadly, lots of things have happened which have curtailed Randy's ambitions for the club. Money was wasted by our previous manager, who fell short of achieving his goals. Man City came in and broke up our team before it could be finalised. The global economy crashed leaving our owner less well off, and family difficulties have all taken there toll.

I think we are a long way from being able to compete, and I don't see anything changing anytime soon. The only thing that I could possibly see happening, is that football in general slumps big time. Fans become fed up with being charged a small fortune to see the same teams win everything in sight. This global recession could see fans re-evaluating where they spend their money. Which could mean the teams paying their players large contracts suddenly find their incomes drying up. What I mean by that, is when I was young Euro nights were special as it was rare chance to see some players you wouldn't otherwise see down Villa Park, and how we would compare against them. Now for teams in CL, they are playing the same teams year in year out, the special feel will surely dwindle. If or when that happens, we might see a levelling of the playing fields again. For the time being, I remain disillusioned with Football as a whole.

Bit weird the way he pulls out every time for England. Probably coincidental, but it's some coincidence given that he's rarely out injured for us. That must make it about 5 times in a row that he's now pulled out through injury. I fully expect Capello to give up on him after this, unfortunately.

Yeah I think that will finally rule him out of a chance for the Euros. Which is probably a good thing for Villa, as he'll have a good rest over the summer.

Whatever happened to the old dark art of going out and pulling a bird ?

1. I fear rejection and so never chat up birds when I'm out.

I am telling you, GO SPEED DATING.

Cures any fear of rejection. Honestly.

And b6bloke, you're right, what is bad for me may be good for others and Dante wants someone to suit him. It's what we've all been saying in the last few pages, he should write whatever he feels because that will attract someone who likes how he thinks - which is the most important thing.

And it appears Dante attracts hotties, I can see that!

One of my best friends, who also had similar problems with approaching and meeting girls went speed dating. He is now happily married with his second child on the way. So it worked out well for him. He was going to go along to the speed dating with another of my friends, but the other friend met someone (now his wife) before the day of the event. The first guy said he almost didn't go to the event, but plucked up enough courage and told himself what is there to lose.

I will give this a watch when it comes back. I used to love Red Dwarf, and still occasionally watch the repeats on Dave. I avoided watching the Back to Earth episodes, as I wasn't sure about the format of the program and didn't want it to spoil my memories of the show. This new series sounds like it is going back to basics, so we may be back to good times again.

he did infuriate when he was buying the likes of Harewood and Knight in his first summer window

Knight's tenure is persistently and erroneously viewed with malign when he was, in truth, pretty solid for us. We've had worse defenders.

Oh yeah, don't get me wrong he did ok for us while he was here, and we did alright out of the transfer overall making back the fee at the end. It was just that I was hoping for some world/top class players during the first summer window with the Lerner funding, and we end up with Harewood and Knight who lets face it are average players at best. I especially remember the disappointment with the Harewood signing, and the will we unveil a secret signing at the kit launch.

MON falls alongside Gregory as a steady eddie who had us up there or thereabouts without thrilling anyone or winning anything along the way. Little and Atkinson who have similar overall records had us playing some cracking football at their peaks, unfortunately they were unable to build on those succeses for whatever reason and we fell away badly both times. I feel that we were coming from a long way back when MON joined as Doug had cut costs and we were functioning on bare minimum.

MON did did fairly well to lift us out of the doldrums when he first joined, but he did infuriate when he was buying the likes of Harewood and Knight in his first summer window, when I as a fan was hoping he would be attracting better players to Villa Park. He also dithered on purchasing players for certain positions. Right back is one position that springs to mind springs to mind. I feel that had he tackled those positions faster, then maybe we could have had the right balance to the team, and achieved the goals set out before the likes of Liverpool and Man City set about unsettling our better players.

It is way too early to come to a conclusive judgement on McLeish. He is a likeable chap, but his football is far from likable at times. We have tended to lack any creative flair in most games meaing we are one of the lowest rated teams in terms of chances created. He is partly excused, because the loss of Young and Downing was massive to us. Albrighton was always going to find it difficult this season, so we have been reliant on N'Zogbia and Bannan to provide some spark from midfield.

I would have liked more points on the board at this point in the season as we have a tough run of fixtures coming up soon. When we have made it to January, we will see a truer picture of how McLeish has done this season. We will be halfway through the season, and then we can see if the teams future looks bright or not.

1. His love of Heskey and the fact he thinks he's a playmaker

2. His lack of faith in Albrighton - we have nobody who can cross a ball in our starting eleven and he would address this.

Where has McLeish said that he thinks Heskey is a playmaker?

When Albrighton has come on this season he has been shit, so why should he be given anymore opportunity than anyone else?

If he had shown any instances of being decent then i'm sure he would be used more.

I might have been dreaming, but i think i saw a headline saying Heskey could be our Beckenbauer. If you google Heskey and Beckenbauer, I'm sure you'll find it. That is what I assume Sonic Bouma is referring to.

could be a good thing if you get spanked as a positive result will mean the hype will continue and England be labelled as among the favourites

I remember the England-Argentina game in 2005 after you just lost to Northern Ireland but won a friendly undeservedly and were pushed to 2nd favourites for World Cup and golden Generation tag was made heavier.

Yeah, I also remember beating France the year before the World Cup '98 , and that got everyones hopes raised. The English Press don't help matters, by constantly building up the team before tournaments.

In reality, I would say there are four teams definitely better than us/England in the Championships already with others still to qualify. I would say that Spain, Holland, Germany and France would beat us most days. I would put us alongside Italy as potential longer shots to win the tournament. You never know though, Tournaments come and go very quickly and it is all about timing your form right, and hitting a rich vein at the right time.

For the game against Spain, I see another night of chasing after the ball and coming up short. We will lose by 1 or 2 goals.

Can't we do a straight swap for Yaya Toure lol

I think even Derren Brown would struggle to convince Mancini that it was a good deal.

I agree with barry'sboots. He was partly to blame for the first, not only was he turned easily, he left a massive gap for Wickham to run into unchallenged. Dunne tried to get across to block but it was too late by then, the ball was on it's way to the back of the net.

I think the main issue is not that he signed lots of average players on big money, its the way he had a tantrum, left the club in the lurch then went back fro compo. If I was a chairman I'd stay away.

That is what I reckon as well. The same could be said for Curbishley. He hasn't found a job since sueing West Ham for constructive dismisal.

Anyone think this is too early to be calling it a must-win game?

It's definitely a must not lose game. I would love to see us snatch an away win, but the best result I can see us achieve is a 1-1 draw. I don't feel confident that we'll keep a clean sheet, and I don't feel we'll create enough chances to win the game. Gabby or Bent may force a goal from nothing and that is our best chance.

I'm astounded, so you can get lagered up, smash the car up etc and claim on your insurance??

I would guess it is more to cover the other parties involved, and that the fall out of such actions would make it very expensive to get insurance in the future.

Could the Insurance company then pursue the driver in the courts to reclaim their costs of the claim?

Yeah, I think I remember him refereeing one of our games at home last season. Not sure who though, I thought it was later in the season that the Arsenal loss though, it might have been the loss at home to Wolves.

Working in the insurance industry, I see and investigate this type of "incident" all to often.

What usually happens is that the driver (under the influence) has an accident and then leaves the vehicle either parked up where it is, or somewhere tucked away.

The driver will then go about his business - in this case - it was so early in the morning that "Mr Bannan was asleep at home in bed", non the wiser. He then wakes up looks outside and "oh shit my cars gone" (wink wink) and calls the police to report it. If it makes it to that stage, then he is almost as good as out of the woods - vehicle not found by police prior to him calling (as they would have called him) and the booze would be out of his system.

Added to the fact its a footballer reporting a theft, the police think he has been targeted.

HOWEVER...

If the police find the vehicle before the theft is reported, they check the owners details and go to the address confirmed with the DVLA and nine times out of ten, find the owner still half pissed, or bruised like a mother **** (accident rleated). From there, you have to PROVE the vehicle was stolen and the police have already assumed it was the owner at the wheel.

This incident occured on the motorway I believe, so there was CCTV footage galore. He should of just stopped where he was, organised recovery and took his chances the old bill didnt drive past, but as your on camera, its unlikely you aint gunna see blues and twos.

All in all, Bannan has hit the sauce that night, been unable to drive normally and hit a barrier (on a sunday morning!!) and did a runner and failed to report it.

I have come across cases like this where families have lost loved ones, such as occupnats in the responsible vehicles, the innocent vehicles and general passersby on the street. Young and Old.

He made a decision to get in that car, he knew the risks and he had the cash to get himself home or book a hotel. Then he has the accident and runs off like a coward. Might be a good footballer, but a poor human being. I just hope he learns from his stupid and arrogant behaviour.

He will prob get a 18 month ban & £500 fine - nothing to him, pocket change. The Insurers will still end up paying for his vehicle damage and any damage to the barrier - nice.

I dont want him kicked out of the club, but he needs to get a grip and appreciate the good life he has. He should be ashamed of himself and I hope he is.

Wow, great post!

Yes good post, and all we need to consider is Lee Hughes and his incident to remember what could have happened. Bannan has been a very stupid boy, and needs to grow up fast.

RIP Paddy. Very sad news.

Tbh I would be tempted to send JJ back to Spurs, and look to get a fit CM in during January. JJ has been out for so long now, that we won't see the best of him this season anyway.

I still cant see the sense in letting Makoun go (and NRC to an extent) and only replacing them with a crocked Jenas. Crazy bit of business right there.

I take it theres not a recall clause in Makouns loan deal???

Of course there aint. We dont make contingency plans

That would be the sensible plan, though I have a feeling Makoun leaving was down to the player more than the manager. I just don't think Makoun settled in the League or the area so he wanted to leave asap.

Makoun was moved on in order to free up the wages to allow Jenas to come in. Seeing as Jenas won't be kicking a ball for atleast another 3 or 4 games, I'd say it was a poor decision.

Though that is easy to say in hindsight, and Jenas could be a better option when he finally gets himself fit.

Tbh I would be tempted to send JJ back to Spurs, and look to get a fit CM in during January. JJ has been out for so long now, that we won't see the best of him this season anyway.

Finally got around to watching The Fighter.

Cracking performances from Christian Bale and the mother!

Really decent film too.

I rented that out last week. I agree it was a great film. I wasn't too sure whether I would like it beforehand, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I had a feeling they would get relegated when they won the League Cup. I have seen many teams mentally end there season there and then, including us after we beat Man Utd. Once you do that it is easy to get in a rut, but not so easy to get out. The players were too busy basking in their glory to see it coming until it was too late and they couldn't do anything about it. As I said, we did it after Man Utd, we were further up the table so had the buffer, we carried it into the next season which eventually saw Big Ron sacked.

you just don't win 57 caps for england and be rubbish. Just doesn't happen

I couldn't care if he won 400 caps for England , we were discussing his Villa career ..and it's been pants

Well it hasn't has it?

Could have been better of course but could have been worse. Its been ok, and this season hes played well.

Same goal ratio as darren Bent so far

Haha you cannot be serious, are you? :?

Heskey has been here 2.5 seasons scoring 14 goals in 86 games at a rate of 1 in 6 games. You get midfielders who have better scoring records than that.

Bent has been here less than 1 season, scoring 11 in 23 games at a rate of 1 in 2 games. A very good strike rate, which most teams would love to have.

I know the argument that Heskey is supposed to bring others into the game and provide scoring opportunities, but frankly I can't see that our goal scoring has increased with him in the team. In fact it feels like the opposite, and our goalscoring ability has dropped since he came into the team 2.5 seasons ago.

So far this season:

2 in 7 Bent

1 in 3.5 Heskey.

If you base figures over a handful of games you get erratic results, I prefer to base them over a longer period where you get a truer picture and you can define a true pattern. Your GA stats probably show why McLeish may be looking to play him in defence. I have no issue with him playing back there if he can defend, that remains to be seen though.

you just don't win 57 caps for england and be rubbish. Just doesn't happen

I couldn't care if he won 400 caps for England , we were discussing his Villa career ..and it's been pants

Well it hasn't has it?

Could have been better of course but could have been worse. Its been ok, and this season hes played well.

Same goal ratio as darren Bent so far

Haha you cannot be serious, are you? :?

Heskey has been here 2.5 seasons scoring 14 goals in 86 games at a rate of 1 in 6 games. You get midfielders who have better scoring records than that.

Bent has been here less than 1 season, scoring 11 in 23 games at a rate of 1 in 2 games. A very good strike rate, which most teams would love to have.

I know the argument that Heskey is supposed to bring others into the game and provide scoring opportunities, but frankly I can't see that our goal scoring has increased with him in the team. In fact it feels like the opposite, and our goalscoring ability has dropped since he came into the team 2.5 seasons ago.

The problem I have with Heskey is he just isn't a goal threat. He rarely looks like scoring and is so clumsy in front of goal. He is the one player that you don't want to see coming on when you're looking for a goal to get back in the game, his strike rate is something like 1 in 6 for us which is truely awful. I'm not even sure that we score more when he is in the team. In fact maybe that is why McLeish see's him as a defender.