BigCarew

Anyone driving from Brum and then getting the tube in? If so what station? What pubs are around and about too for away fans?

I'm driving from Rugeley to Upminster tube station, £2 to park all day and it's on the same tube line as Upton Park. The Central was the away pub the last time I went when Gabby scored that late winner but it may have changed since then. Plenty of boozers in the vicinity though.

cheers for the advice and info! Never been to West Spam, seem to have avoided it in previous seasons.

Anyone driving from Brum and then getting the tube in? If so what station? What pubs are around and about too for away fans?

Bannan played deeper against forest than KEA... .

Might be worth pointing out that we lost against Forest.

Might also be worth pointing out it was only a friendly, but from the positives I saw of that game was that Bannan dictated play from a deeper position.

Why? Bannan played deeper against forest than KEA... If we keep the ball well enough we don't need a massive brute enforcer which people seems to love and bang on about, KEA is box to box and can tackle, Bannan plays as a deep midfield playmaker.

Anyone who saw sat, how does his pace look? From what people were saying before he signed, his pace may be suspect...with him and Clark (not particularly quick himself) may be a disadvantage when playing a fast strike force..(not that I'm trying to be negative)

One instance, he was up against Ishmael Miller by the touchline whilst Vlaar was backing off, Miller played the ball past him but Vlaar read it and got his body in the way. Miller isnt the slowest player either and is quite powerful... so positioning wise that was spot on against a faster opponent. As a centre half I dont think its majorly important to have so much pace, more so if your a full back.

I don't see how losing in a friendly is such a problem... we were never going to win every friendly. And as Lambert said, its about fitness, confidence etc. Also look at other teams, Man City were poor abroad and Arsenal struggled too, West Ham lost 3 1 at Ipswich yesterday. I'm sure Man City fans aren't losing faith or confidence with their manager or team from friendly results.

Pleased with this signing, him and Clark will be an excellent centre back pairing, with dunne out for 2 months this signing is now even more important!

Out 4-5 weeks, medial ligament damage ! Not good news.

We have Gary Gardner, **** Milner

After Kjaer I would say Ashley Williams, I like him a lot but I don't see him leaving Swansea for us. Liverpool are also interested. I still think, although we (Villa and Liverpool) are both on a decline, they still hold more weight than us currently.

On this I would like to add Ashley Williams does have a link to the Midlands. He was 1 year below me at high school in Tamworth so he may have friends/family in the area that might lure him back this way.

I used to play for Hednesford Youth and was told Williams started his career off there, his Dad is still fairly local too I think as he once turned up to a training session. Good player, him and Clark would mean two good, footballing centre backs!

Anyone else really impressed about Lamberts ability to try and build a relationship with the fans? Don't think many previous managers would have even bothered turning up to a kit launch or mentioning us constantly in interviews. Can't wait for the new season!

don't post an awful lot, however this thread has had me in stitches!

On the other note, Naughton would be an excellent signing, better than any of the dross bar Lichaj and Carlos in our defence from last year!

After that circus of a season, I'd be content with 10th place, and decent Cup runs.

It's the following year that I'd hope we'd have a shot at cracking the top 4.

keep dreaming

Didi Agathe!

Yeah, I didnt think too much of it at first, just shrugged it off had a row back said to him what right have you got to tell me how to support my team etc etc. It was only afterwards that it started to click and I thought, how **** dare you.

I'm not knocking anyone who wants to stand there in silence because were losing, it pisses me off the exact same way it pisses them off that were losing, but don't take it out on other fans who actually want to try and enjoy their day a little.

I was at Liverpool last season, one of the worst games I've ever attended, yet I can still look back and laugh and actually think in a weird way I enjoyed it, it was fun because of as you say, our gallows humour. And that is why I love our away support, the majority of it anyway.

Was at the Liverpool game too last season with me old man, and we both came away fuming at the result/game, but the banter created made the night. I go to away games obviously to support and watch Villa hopefully pick up 3 points... but I also go to away games because the atmosphere and support we have is superb. Take Arsenal/Reading away in the FA Cup, ye we lost at Arsenal but what a day. People need to lighten up a bit, ignore them!

I think he has been steadily improving since his red card against Arsenal.

could he quite frankly get any worse?

This ^^^ X2. He was superb when he came on today. Credit where credits due!

Anyone at stoke, what was the song that was quite constant? very catchy and good to hear a new tune!

Really want to know this myself!! I know the first line sounds very much like the first line of Safety Dance (We can dance if you want to...) but the rest of it was a bit off.

sounds similar and has helped me remember the tune! need to get it going again.

Anyone at stoke, what was the song that was quite constant? very catchy and good to hear a new tune!

Yes. I'll be a Villa supporter until the day I die and my weekends would be pointless without my trips to Villa Park.

I am getting extremely fed up with the whole McLeish saga, rubbish football etc. I really hope that things improve and hopefully we will soon see the back of McLeish, as he clearly isn't up to the job. Then there is the whole issue of us not having enough money to compete. The sad fact is that we can't compete as it isn't an even playing field nowadays and we are now a mid-table side at best.

However, football is my life. I'm one of those sad people who lives, sleeps, eats and breaths football. I was at Villa Park yesterday and sat there before the match just thinking how amazing football is and how great that feeling is when we score.

THIS!!!

I can understand why people may want to stay away as these are depressing times and difficult times (on and off the pitch). I will continue to take my trips down to Villa Park though, for as long as I can afford it.

Quite happy seeing his name pop up on soccer Saturday, recall him!!!

For me, everything McCleish has said has been honest and hasn't said much wrong. Results could have been better but solid. The ONE criticism I have is that ok we've conceded stupid goals, but if we attack more, this would mean less pressure on the defence, whereas we seem to be containing a team for 90 minutes, where it clearly shows from set pieces our defenders do not have the concentration and mentality to contain for 90 minutes. Thus giving stupid goals away.

I don't think anyone is calling him a liar, just a very poor manager.

I know, I didn't try and insinuate anyone was calling him a liar, im just pleased he comes out and says, "yes we were dog shite" monday.

For me, everything McCleish has said has been honest and hasn't said much wrong. Results could have been better but solid. The ONE criticism I have is that ok we've conceded stupid goals, but if we attack more, this would mean less pressure on the defence, whereas we seem to be containing a team for 90 minutes, where it clearly shows from set pieces our defenders do not have the concentration and mentality to contain for 90 minutes. Thus giving stupid goals away.

the lad has talent, early days yet!

ob la di, ob la da, NZOBIAAAA...lalalalalala!

ob la di, ob la da, NZOGBIAAAA, lalalalalaa