MyLord

I was at Bodymoor the day he signed, remember thinking this could be one of the greatest signings in the modern era if he fit in well, however as someone else pointed out he's never quite been played in his best position. That said I completely agree with the above, this is his season now; step up or that's probably your career in C&B gone (As a fan I really hope it's the former!)

I am quite pacey and ambidextrous, can I make it? Haha let's not get pedantic Villa fans, I know it's tough but we're all here for the same cause! I'm willing to put you in the squad if you can pass the simple criteria of; Have you played professional football for your country? Were you signed for a multi-million pound fee? If not, keep your day job and take my comment with a pinch of salt!

Always hold Blackburn 2010 semi-finals in high regards for recent times, then obviously Reading 4-2 (the Carew show) the week after losing to United at Wembley, in fact that whole season was full of great away days! More recently, West Ham when Keane scored first for them was pretty important and we've had a pretty good time at the Emirates - we'd certainly take another opening day at the Brittania similar to last year's win!

Shouldn't have a problem with work permit, he has enough caps etc. and meets all the criteria. Looking forward to this one, really hope it goes smoothly and works out to be the signing of the summer

I still think Tonev has all the attributes to be THE perfect impact sub, if we can't coach raw pace and an ambidextrous person into a decent player, I'd rather send our coaches out to Celtic than Tonev

Haven't read the whole thread, but My Lord you lot are depressing! I must be one of the more optimistic Villans (not saying realistic, we'll see) as cab see us starting solidly and kicking on with the return of Bentekkers - ending about 12th, just be happy not to worry going into the last 5 games! I've still got that start of the season buzz, although being around OT at the moment, they're nailed on to win the league even though Cleverley is still a starter for them, so why can't we have a bit of that mentality (albeit on a reduced level) with Joey Cole, Okore and the Zog back! I wouldn't swap the feeling of Villa for the world, even though I completely understand some seem to have lost it

Too early for Vlaar!? We're kicking off at The Brittania in less than 2 weeks, yes he played in a WC semi-final but wasn't that almost a full month ago now - body should have had plenty of R&R and raring to go! Re. Parking @Becscott, it's actually situated on a retail park with a few shops and McDonalds, but I wouldn't advise going on there unless you dont mind waiting ages to get away after. There's plenty of 'road parking' in surrounding streets, just don't go too far afield! Unfortunately my car is covered in Villa so will have to park at my sisters, can't be too safe in Walsall!

And my cat is called Olof. They should be friends. Our dog's also an Olof, vet's in the Midlands must have them on a regular basis

He should make the ultimate impact sub, I'd keep him 100%

Tonev will be handing out humble pie in the Holte by the end of the season, it's going to taste so sweet

Well, that's more like it!

It's up to youuu Callum Robinson, The Villa love you more than you ever knooooooooooow...

I heard somebosy ring up Tom Ross and claim Captain Jack's "gorra gew"

Anybody know how many we've sold? I've got mine but a mate was waiting until away booking history, didn't think it'd even get closer being the first game, and away day and a local(ish) derby!

Would also like to know this if you find out mate...

Couldn't disagree anymore with the consensus that he's a terrible player and will never make it. He has every single raw attribute bar height/heading you would want in a player, we're not exactly breaking the bank this summer so I'd put everything into coaching this guy into a PL player. Whether he's just a squad player, impact sub or turns out POTS - isn't that what football is about; turning potential/average players into successful athletes? If not, mini-Man City we are not!

Couldn't care less about anybody else tbh, so long as we get more value for money next year I'll be happy to have renewed (which would probably happen year on year anyway, as is the annoyance of football fandom!)

Agreed chaps. Wow, what a civil Monday morning conversation with what seems like level headed Villans, wish you guys were around us in the Holte... "FORWARD, SHOOT...NO SCORE" Expecting more of the same this season!

I had this view for the majority of last season, but other than 'raw-ness' and a bit of pace, I didn't see a lot more in him, unfortunately. I would rather see N'Zogbia, Grealish or Weimann play in Tonev's wide positions this season. For that reason alone, I'd be happy if we managed to ship him out. Completely agree re. Zog & Grealish (although the latter may need some time to bed in), but Weimann's performances especially at some away games last season left a lot to be desired - I was praying for Tonev to come on late in games ala Stoke where we were marginally losing to stretch the game and take on tired legs. I'll admit it never really worked out, but still held hope he would get another chance this season

To counteract all the negativity, I can't wait to see this guy down VP. Get him playing with a smile on his face again behind Bentekkers and the magic will happen!

I must be missing something here. Yes I'll admit he's been poor, but some of the comments are ridiculous - this guy has every raw attribute you need to make it in the PL, therefore (added to the fact we paid for him just 12 months ago) I'd give him time at least this season to try and make an impact. After all, it could save us a little bit of money we don't actually have, and keep vital numbers in the squad. Sorry if that's too optimistic for the Villa/a Monday morning...

We sit in L5 near the back and we're surrounded by tactically challenged moaners. Suppose it is asking a bit much down VP these days! How far down do people usually stand in L5 (only when a goalmouth event occurs, obviously), past the stair entrances?

Renewed, just moved more central to L5 as it's a better view for my nephew (youngest ST holder!), with only the hand rails in front of us. Just hope we're not surrounded by perrenial moaners/tactically inept "FOWARD!" fans...

Going to try and renew today after abseiling from the Holte, wherever I land - that's my new seat!

Every morning that I go to work @Old Trafford, the proudest moment is telling people I'm a Villa fan and seeing the look on their faces as to why I'm so vocal about it. They'll appreciate it in time, when they're all jumping on the C&B bandwagon!