View Full Version : Aston Villa
Right, as there seems to be a new era dawning on Villa Park I thought it only right to make one of these official club thread thingys.
Our off-season has gone from despair to optimism. O'Leary was shipped out and in came the surprising but excellent appointment of Martin O'Neill as his replacement. After the Ellis regime being more critised with each passing day, 'Deadly' Doug has finally stepped down after accepting a £62.6m takeover of the club from American billionaire Randy Lerner.
This should hopefully make some funds available (rumoured around £20m) for O'Neill to spend in just over two weeks of the transfer window left open.
The fact that we may be moving from the staleness and mould which has set into our club for many years has envoked a fresh new feel and dare I say it, I'm actually excited to see how we will fare in the next few seasons. For a club that I have supported from childhood I am, in the polite sense, happy as fuck. :D
Anyway Villa fan or not, what do you think of this takeover? Good or bad and what players may we get for the money we have now.... feel free to do so.
First fixture of the premiership: Arsenal... away. :crymore:
I will edit in the squad details when the season starts.
P.S. This thread may well and truly die, sure... but I don't mind talking to myself. ;)
Freestyle27
14-08-2006, 14:22
Theres only you Krook, not sure there's many Villa fans on here.
Theres only you Krook, not sure there's many Villa fans on here.
I already know this, you don't need to support the club to have an opinion on it.
What with the takeover and a new manager in place I just thought there is alot of focus on us now and there are theories that we will challenge for Europe in the next few seasons.
Agree/Disagree? I thought forums were fundamentally about expressing opinions...
I'm sure Huw will post up every now and then ;)
I'm sure Huw will post up every now and then ;)
As long as he is constructive in his comments, however critical then I welcome it. After all I haven't hurled abuse in his Blues thread...
We'll wait and see what this American guy has in store for Villa shall we?!
Change of name perhaps? The Aston Villa Claret Sox
We'll wait and see what this American guy has in store for Villa shall we?!
Change of name perhaps? The Aston Villa Claret Sox
:crymore:
Of all the bids it had to be an American who would get in there didn't it? Although I don't want to label all of them as 'tycoon tyrants who have no clue whatsoever about 'soccer' I think the change of hands was much needed. At this present moment in time I welcome him withopen arms, we certainly needed a change and a fresh beginning to take the club further than the humdrum of past years.
Anyway whether this will be to great effect or a detriment to the club we'll wait and see...
Wiserommer
14-08-2006, 14:59
its a great day for villa fans such as myself to hear this type of news....What makes this more impressive is the fact we would never go into debt and the amount of money we can use is limitless since Mr lerner owns a credit card buisness.
I was expecting a thrashing against Villa in our first game, now i'm expecting.... a comfortable win.:laugh:
Seriously though, i had them down for relegation but with O'Neill and a new richer and optimistic owner with a bigger transfer budget, i think Villa will do quite well this season. Still not a European place but pushing in the top half of the table.
They haven't got much time to sign anyone. Looks as though they'll make big moves in the transfer market in January - though Petrov may arrive this month.
:crymore:
Of all the bids it had to be an American who would get in there didn't it? Although I don't want to label all of them as 'tycoon tyrants who have no clue whatsoever about 'soccer' I think the change of hands was much needed. At this present moment in time I welcome him withopen arms, we certainly needed a change and a fresh beginning to take the club further than the humdrum of past years.
Anyway whether this will be to great effect or a detriment to the club we'll wait and see...
Lets be honest mate he'd have to be a proper cunt to be worse than Doug Ellis.
I'm sure Huw will post up every now and then ;)
Stop stirring Ads !
A lot of my mates are Villa fans.
Anyway this takeover can only be a good thing for Villa. This, plus Martin O'Neill's signing make it a pretty good month for you lot. Interesting to see how it all turns out.
Stop stirring Ads !
A lot of my mates are Villa fans.
Anyway this takeover can only be a good thing for Villa. This, plus Martin O'Neill's signing make it a pretty good month for you lot. Interesting to see how it all turns out.
Hey huw are you sure you are a Blues fan? ;)
Even my own mates who are Blue-noses are acting a little bitter and think us Villans are getting worked up too much about these developments...
Hey huw are you sure you are a Blues fan? ;)
Even my own mates who are Blue-noses are acting a little bitter and think us Villans are getting worked up too much about these developments...
I think weve got enough problems of our own at the moment to worry about what you lot are up to.
Saying that, this Randy bloke may have a few quid, but so has Sullivan and the two Gold Brothers. So you dont beat us there. Also he owns the Cleveland Browns who are arguably the worst American Football team ever - but very profitable. He doesnt care about Villa, he just wants to make money, and he will upgrade Villa Park, not for the team, but for the commercial opportunities. In fact I would say that the football team is the smallest and least profitable part of Aston Vila plc. He even referred to it as a "Loss Leader" ie he will spend money and make a loss knowing that he will gain somewhere else. I dont what his plans are.
I think weve got enough problems of our own at the moment to worry about what you lot are up to.
Saying that, this Randy bloke may have a few quid, but so has Sullivan and the two Gold Brothers. So you dont beat us there. Also he owns the Cleveland Browns who are arguably the worst American Football team ever - but very profitable. He doesnt care about Villa, he just wants to make money, and he will upgrade Villa Park, not for the team, but for the commercial opportunities. In fact I would say that the football team is the smallest and least profitable part of Aston Vila plc. He even referred to it as a "Loss Leader" ie he will spend money and make a loss knowing that he will gain somewhere else. I dont what his plans are.
Yep, it's not as black & white as it seems. Sure he could have made a decent bid presentation detailing what he plans to do with the club, but he can't be held to it....
Just a case of wait and see I guess. :unsure:
Krook are you the bald guy on SSN who thinks you are going to challenge Chelsea?
Krook are you the bald guy on SSN who thinks you are going to challenge Chelsea?
Damn! My secret is out. ;)
I will laugh my socks off when you but Neil Lennon
1-1 against Arsenal away? :shocking:
I know they dominated the game but still an excellent result. Hopefully we can keep this up...
Dr. Bob Kelso
19-08-2006, 17:14
Very well done. Great result.
1-1 against Arsenal away? :shocking:
I know they dominated the game but still an excellent result. Hopefully we can keep this up...
Yeah. Disappointed we didn't win but well done. O'Neill has made an instant impact. Looks like Villa fans have a reason to be quite optimistic this season.
Yeah. Disappointed we didn't win but well done. O'Neill has made an instant impact. Looks like Villa fans have a reason to be quite optimistic this season.
Thanks for those words, despite the disappointment you must feel. I thought before the match, the only way we would get something out of it was to score first and hold on. Thankfully this is what happened.
As for being optimistic, well me personally I'm trying not to be. We have another tough game next week against Reading after their impressive start today. We'll see...
Viperized
19-08-2006, 17:30
1-1 against Arsenal away? :shocking:
I know they dominated the game but still an excellent result. Hopefully we can keep this up...
Villa had their whole team in the penalty box. It was a congested zone. I think you will keep it up though - O'Neill is a clever man.
Stella Artois
19-08-2006, 17:36
It was your typical game where Arsenal dominated then sloppily conceded to a side playing defensive football and from there it was always going to be a struggle.
Still, good luck for the rest of the season.... (even though I hope you go down).
The Stig
20-08-2006, 18:43
http://www.clubcall.com/index.jsp?storyID=288018
Pompey up Barry bid?
2006-08-19 12:49
Portsmouth have reportedly increased their bid for Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry to £6million.
The Sun claims that Pompey chief Harry Redknapp has come back with an improved offer after seeing a £5million approach knocked back by the Midlanders.
The papers says the new bid will tempt Villa boss Martin O'Neill, who could use Barry's sale to invest in his own squad.
O'Neill was due for crunch talks with Barry at the end of last week to discuss his long-term future - but there has been no announcement how those discussions panned out.
Newcastle and Tottenham are also believed to be interested in the 25-year-old, who can operate in both defence and midfield.
http://www.clubcall.com/index.jsp?storyID=288018
Pompey up Barry bid?
2006-08-19 12:49
Portsmouth have reportedly increased their bid for Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry to £6million.
The Sun claims that Pompey chief Harry Redknapp has come back with an improved offer after seeing a £5million approach knocked back by the Midlanders.
The papers says the new bid will tempt Villa boss Martin O'Neill, who could use Barry's sale to invest in his own squad.
O'Neill was due for crunch talks with Barry at the end of last week to discuss his long-term future - but there has been no announcement how those discussions panned out.
Newcastle and Tottenham are also believed to be interested in the 25-year-old, who can operate in both defence and midfield.
Well I heard that O'Neill called for a few players including Gary Barry to commit to the club or get out. Reports indicated that he said he wants to stay so I guess it is up to O'Neill. Personally I hope he doesn't as at this present moment in time he is worth more to us than 5 mill. If any bids top this then I think he will go. :(
P.S. The bearded caveman known as Mellberg is our captain. Barry is second in captaincy to him.
The Stig
20-08-2006, 20:20
Well I heard that O'Neill called for a few players including Gary Barry to commit to the club or get out. Reports indicated that he said he wants to stay so I guess it is up to O'Neill. Personally I hope he doesn't as at this present moment in time he is worth more to us than 5 mill. If any bids top this then I think he will go. :(
P.S. The bearded caveman known as Mellberg is our captain. Barry is second in captaincy to him.
Yeah i hope he stays aswell great player, pompey are getting to good for my liking! :lol
Well I heard that O'Neill called for a few players including Gary Barry to commit to the club or get out. Reports indicated that he said he wants to stay so I guess it is up to O'Neill. Personally I hope he doesn't as at this present moment in time he is worth more to us than 5 mill. If any bids top this then I think he will go. :(
P.S. The bearded caveman known as Mellberg is our captain. Barry is second in captaincy to him.
I think Gareth Barry is stalking me. I used to go in this pub in Ladywood and he and Lee Hendrie used to go in there. Now he has started going into this pub near my parent's. He probably heard I go in there too.
Well I heard that O'Neill called for a few players including Gary Barry to commit to the club or get out. Reports indicated that he said he wants to stay so I guess it is up to O'Neill. Personally I hope he doesn't as at this present moment in time he is worth more to us than 5 mill. If any bids top this then I think he will go. :(
P.S. The bearded caveman known as Mellberg is our captain. Barry is second in captaincy to him.
I thought Mellberg dropped his captaincy...and he didn't have it last night right?
Well done Aston Villa...a bit of luck...and some good keeping and defending off the line worked! :tongue:
I think Gareth Barry is stalking me. I used to go in this pub in Ladywood and he and Lee Hendrie used to go in there. Now he has started going into this pub near my parent's. He probably heard I go in there too.
:laugh:
Yeah the one time I saw Hendrie when I was looking for a film to watch in Blockbuster. He pulled up in a black Ferrari (discreet!) and ran into the shop. A group of Blues fans recognised him and was taunting him through the glass window. I just found it funny as fuck.
Btw he rented Ocean's Twelve. ;)
I thought Mellberg dropped his captaincy...and he didn't have it last night right?
Yeah sorry you are right. I forgot he stepped down.
Villa 2 Reading 1
Reading played well and went a goal up but the turning point of the match was the penalty (which was a right decision) but the subsequent sending off which I thought was harsh. Still, a good result and a notable performance from Barry. Just need to keep hold of him now....
O'Neill has made an instant impact. Looks like Villa fans have a reason to be quite optimistic this season.
:w00t Brilliant man used to play for Forest...very clever and i will post up my predictions very soon.;)
Bit dead in here...Saviola to villa looking good i would say.
http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=413025&CPID=23&clid=178&lid=4161&title=Agent:+Villa+chasing+Sav iola+deal
BREAKING NEWS
Randy Lerner takes full control of Aston Villa.
BREAKING NEWS
Randy Lerner takes full control of Aston Villa.
See now I don't know whether this is a good or bad thing. Don't get me wrong it's nice to have some change in the club but this now means Lerner has almost complete control of the club.
He's already proposed changing the name of Villa Park. :crymore:
From what I can make of it, it will be good for you. He wants to put up a statue of the European Cup win which Ellis refused to do, and apparently he is very fond of tradition so I doubt he would change the name of Villa Park or try and revolutionise the club. He's hands off reportedly, and he has cash, so with him as owner and O'Neill as manager I think you have a decent future ahead.
From what I can make of it, it will be good for you. He wants to put up a statue of the European Cup win which Ellis refused to do, and apparently he is very fond of tradition so I doubt he would change the name of Villa Park or try and revolutionise the club. He's hands off reportedly, and he has cash, so with him as owner and O'Neill as manager I think you have a decent future ahead.
Well I guess a neutral (you) will have a better judgment on it than a fan (me). As for the Villa Park name change, he only proposed this as if we had a sponser we would obtain alot of revenue from it. He ran it as a suggestion but the fans voiced our opinions and concerns and it seems to have been dropped. So I credit him for that and compared to many more American millionaires he has his head screwed on more than most for the English game.
he has cash, so with him as owner and O'Neill as manager I think you have a decent future ahead.
I agree, will we be more rich than Portsmouth? I know we won't be as rich as Chelsea/Man UTD but with our manager we can do just as well. :)
Tallulah Belle
05-09-2006, 16:10
I agree, will we be more rich than Portsmouth? I know we won't be as rich as Chelsea/Man UTD but with our manager we can do just as well. :)
No one will ever be as rich as Chelsea and you obviously arent aware that Man U are £800 million pounds in debt
Can't wait until the next transfer window, I have a feeling Martin may have some signings planned. I would be happy for Villa to stay in Top 5, though are they changing the places for Europe this year or is that not happening? I just seem to think that only 1-2 automaticcaly qualify and then 3-6 battle it out for Champions League spot...I think I need my tablets. :huh:
Billy Minof
03-10-2006, 12:55
Can't wait until the next transfer window, I have a feeling Martin may have some signings planned. I would be happy for Villa to stay in Top 5, though are they changing the places for Europe this year or is that not happening? I just seem to think that only 1-2 automaticcaly qualify and then 3-6 battle it out for Champions League spot...I think I need my tablets. :huh:
Ya, I think O'Neill will bring in some good players come the transfer window...Heskey Anyone???
I will put up a list of the players we should get but not right now :rolleyes:
nath_scfc
12-11-2006, 14:45
There's only one Lee Hendrie! :D
There's only one Lee Hendrie! :D
Martin O Neill is a great man manager and I find it no surprise that Gareth Barrie is playing much better now he hasnt got Hendrie's influence around all the time. Off the field it is no secret that they are good friends but Hendrie's life style does leave a bit to be desired for a professional footballer.
Top moves by O'Neill seperating those two - make one captain and get rid of the other.
Off the field it is no secret that they are good friends but Hendrie's life style does leave a bit to be desired for a professional footballer.
I always thought he had the look of an addict. :laugh:
I always thought he had the look of an addict. :laugh:
Not saying a word.
I reckon we will make some top signings, but keep as far away from Heskey as possible!
The Defoe move is unlikely, but i'd welcome him with a hug :P
Well there goes any chance of a decent cup run. :(:(:(
Man Utd away.
CaptainCabinet
03-12-2006, 15:33
You was lucky yesterday :mellow:.
Nah it looked a good end to end game, a point is a nice result for both teams personally.
You was lucky yesterday :mellow:.
Nah it looked a good end to end game, a point is a nice result for both teams personally.
Well I'm biased but I'd want both teams to be rewarded for playing the attacking game. Too many teams nowadays score and are content to sit back so applying it to yesterday's game, a point each was fair. ;)
CaptainCabinet
03-12-2006, 15:41
Blatent dive for the penalty for your goal though :mellow:. I do agree with ya though, attacking games are a lot more fun and yesterday was a fantastic example three points each I say!
Del Piero
03-12-2006, 16:58
Has anyone noticed the amount of penalties villa seem to be getting!
Has anyone noticed the amount of penalties villa seem to be getting!
Nope, not at all. ;)
In my humble and totally unbiased opinion, about half have been correct and the others... well I would say debatable but I'm not going to. :tongue:
Del Piero
03-12-2006, 17:15
Your lucky youve got Barry to put them away.
Im not saying its a bad thing by the way coz i dont mind u villians
Im not saying its a bad thing by the way coz i dont mind u villians
That's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me here regarding who I support. Sad thing is, I'm actually serious. :mellow:
greenegg
25-01-2007, 22:09
Am I the only one excited by something along these lines:
-------agbonlahor-----------------------------Young------
-------------------------Carew---------------------------
I for one would like to see these players play.
Am I the only one excited by something along these lines:
-------agbonlahor-----------------------------Young------
-------------------------Carew---------------------------
I for one would like to see these players play.
Absolutely!
It's very much a Dutch-style attacking formation with two swift wingers & a big man in the middle to convert the crosses. Atleast it looks like it's going to work especially as this was the formation we adopted which gave us such a good start to the season.
However I hate to say the pressure is on our two new signings but unfortunately it is, or atleast the majority of it is on Carew. For quite a while now we've lacked a clinical finisher to put away many of the chances created so hopefully he can make an almost instant impact.
I liked what I saw of Carew when he played at Valencia but unfortunately haven't seen much of his Lyon playing days so I just hope that he wasn't out of favour there for a reason. I guess as with most things we'll just wait and see...
Nice one Greenegg. ;)
greenegg
25-01-2007, 22:24
Well Agbonlahor has pleased me all season and Young looks mightily promising. Big Carew will love the Premiership I reckon and he can score goals where ever he goes so hopefully with pace and service alongside him he will relish it and bag a fair few goals. Most of Villas latest strikers have been pap. I for one will now adopt Villa as my MOTD team I think the forward line has great potential.
I for one would like to see these players play.The results Villa have been having recently there is every chance you will see them soon. Next season in The Championship.
The results Villa have been having recently there is every chance you will see them soon. Next season in The Championship.
I was waiting for that post. What took you so long?
But seriously, keep your arse out of it! ;)
I was waiting for that post. What took you so long?
But seriously, keep your arse out of it! ;)
I am only posting what my mate who hasnt missed a Villa game for ten years said. They all say Villa played ok at the start of the season with the "new manager" factor and that they had decisions go there way but now the look just as bad as they have done for the past few seasons.
I am only posting what my mate who hasnt missed a Villa game for ten years said. They all say Villa played ok at the start of the season with the "new manager" factor and that they had decisions go there way but now the look just as bad as they have done for the past few seasons.
Yeah you know I was only joking right? I don't want to label you as someone who only says something when it's negative.
It's true the 'honeymoon' period is over and it does seem like it's going back to the same ol' shite. Yet as is the success of any club our main problem lies with not having a consistant striker. If this area isn't an issue with a team then you can pretty much guarrantee their survival in the top flight. Sure we have a young defence and alot of youth in our squad but a reliable strike force can go a long way.
Now I'd be lying if the thought of relegation hasn't entered my mind recently but I'd atleast like to see what happens in the next month (crucial) before casting judgement.
If you can't have faith in O'Neill then who (other than the obvious) can you have?
I am surprised at the move of Carew. I am not being biased when I say I really dont think it will be the answer for you lot. Young is a good player but have you paid a bit too much for him ? who knows at the moment.
But yes my friends would certainly agree that a star striker is what you have need for seasons now. Angel has never really done it for you and Baros, if only he could play like he did in Euro 2004 all the time.
I am surprised O Neill hasnt bought anyone down from Scotland since thingy whose name I cant spell, but he dive a lot and plays midfield. Derek Rhiordan would have been cheap and he is a good striker that I think O Neill signed from Hibs when he was at Celtic - he wouldnt cost that much and would be a better fit that Carew and probaby a better deal than young at this point in time. Only my opinion of course.
You should have spent the money years ago when you chased McCarthy whose scoring at will fror Blackburn
The Messiah
26-01-2007, 00:46
Carew plays a bit like Drogba so he might be a hit!
calculus
26-01-2007, 12:12
Well Agbonlahor has pleased me all season and Young looks mightily promising. Big Carew will love the Premiership I reckon and he can score goals where ever he goes so hopefully with pace and service alongside him he will relish it and bag a fair few goals. Most of Villas latest strikers have been pap. I for one will now adopt Villa as my MOTD team I think the forward line has great potential.
:shocking:
We got battered but got the 3 points, that's all that matters for me.
The Messiah
01-02-2007, 00:58
Ohh Maloney has signed! Why did Celtic sell him? I thought he was a rising star?
mufcsean
01-02-2007, 01:01
Unlucky not to win, Young and Carew had very good debuts, combined excellently with each other, Carew should have had a few
Well the damage was self-inflicted after 7 mins, our defence up until we scored was 'shocking'.
Deserved a point atleast without having to be biased to say that. But like I said, the fact we didn't was down to how we started in the game.
It's clichéd but they are many pluses to take away, Young looks like a potentially great signing. If he carries performing like that he'll more than justify the price tag. Carew's play was pretty much what to expect from him but he looks like an excellent addition to the squad particulary as it was a swap for useless Baros.
... and that goal should have stood ffs!
Thought I'd post this...
Here are some facts about players in the squad:
Aston Villa F.C. – Player Info 2007
Thomas Sørensen
Goalkeeper for Denmark, the successor to Peter Schmeichel. Sørensen smashed Sunderland’s club's clean sheet record with 29 clean sheets in the season they were promoted to the Premiership. Sørensen gained legendary status in Sunderland in 2001, when he saved a penalty kick from Alan Shearer in the dying moments of the game, to preserve a valuable win over arch rivals and neighbouring club Newcastle United. Sunderland sold Sørensen for £2 million to Aston Villa who had held off interest from a handful of other clubs, including Manchester United and Arsenal FC.
Mark Delaney
Having been rejected by Manchester United as a youngster, Delaney established himself in football locally. He then moved to Cardiff City. He made just 35 appearances for Cardiff and was then sold to Aston Villa on March 9, 1999 for £250,000.
As of 2007, he has made 150 appearances for Aston Villa, with a single goal coming against Watford in 1999. He is also in the Wales national team.
Jlloyd Samuel
As a youth, he played for West Ham United, and was released on the same day as Paul Konchesky, Bobby Zamora and Fitz Hall. By no means a regular, however his best season was 2003-04, under newly appointed Villa boss David O'Leary, he rose to become one of the best left-backs in the Premiership and was selected in the England squad for the game against Sweden, although only as an unused substitute. He claimed that he wanted to change back to represent Trinidad and Tobago in World Cup 2006, but the application was rejected by FIFA. Samuel has since lost his place in the team.
Olof Mellberg
In 2003 he was selected as Swedish Player of the Year. On August 19, 2006, Mellberg obtained the honour of becoming the first ever player to score a goal in a competitive match at the Emirates Stadium, in a 1-1 draw with Arsenal. In 2006, Mellberg along with teammates Ibrahimović and Wilhelmsson were sent home from the Sweden squad ahead of their European Championships Qualifier against Liechtenstein, for breaking an 11pm curfew. Mellberg is the Captain and their most consistent defender.
Martin Laursen
Danish international that has played for Verona and was signed by AC Milan for £8.7m in 2001. Plagued by injury, he missed Euro 2000 and many league games, none more than the Champions League Final. He won the Italian League, Cup, European Cup and Champions League with AC Milan, but only played 41 games in 3 years, being third choice to stars Maldini and Nesta. After a solid Euro 2004 Villa bought him for £3m, but again he has been plagued with injury.
Gareth Barry
An ex-England under-18 captain, he joined Aston Villa as a trainee in 1997. Initially he played as a central defender, on the left-hand side of a back three including club heroes Southgate and Ehiogu. Barry has played more than 300 times for Aston Villa in all competitions. He now regularly plays on the left-hand side of midfield, although he is still classed as a defender by most sources. His performances in 2006 have won him the chance to play for England again in 2007. Barry made his England under-21 debut in 1998. He made 27 starts for the Under-21 side, a record shared with Jamie Carragher.
Gavin McCann
A combative midfielder. He has one England cap to his name, playing against Spain at Villa Park in 2001. He was signed from Sunderland in 2003, who in turn signed him from Everton in 1998. He was a member of the Sunderland side which won the Division One title and promotion to the Premiership with 105 points in 1999. Since joining Villa he has had numerous injury setbacks, and Villa suffer when he is not in the side. His gritty style makes him a firm fan favorite at villa
Juan Pablo Ángel
Ángel is Aston Villa's record signing from River Plate at £9.5 million, an increase of £2.5 million on the previous record, set by Stan Collymore. After an indifferent start to his Aston Villa career, he settled down and started to produce the form that persuaded Doug Ellis to shell out the massive transfer fee. He was the club's top scorer in the 2003-04 season with 16 goals in the FA Premier League, but slipped to 7 goals in 2004-05. Angel shares the same birthday as Wayne Rooney.
Not exactly a penalty specialist, he missed his 5th out of 6 against Tottenham Hotspur on 14 October 2006, and his misery was complete with an own goal just a minute later. He also plays for Colombia scoring 9 in 33 games.
John Carew
One of Norway's most famous football players, Carew is the son of a Gambian father and a Norwegian mother who he once pushed down the stairs in a fit of rage. He won the Norwegian cup with Vålerenga.in 1997, and the Norwegian League with Rosenborg in 1999. After a string of impressive displays in the champions league he moved to Spanish club Valencia where he won the league and played in the champions league final (scoring in the penalty shoot out) and then to AS Roma in Italy's Serie A before arriving in Turkey with Beşiktaş in 2004. After the 2004-05 season, he was snapped up by the four-time defending Ligue 1 champions Lyon. In 2007 Lyon swapped him for Aston Villa’s Milan Baros. For Norway, Carew has played 57 times, scoring 14 goals (as of 2006), and was part of their Euro 2000 squad.
Carew is a supporter of Conference North side Scarborough and a member of the club's Norwegian supporters club, having been taken on a school trip to the town in his youth.
Stiliyan Petrov
He joined Aston Villa from Celtic for £6.5million, a fee which could rise to £8million in the future, in August 2006 when Martin O’Neill arrived. Petrov Became known for his solid performances in midfield for both Celtic and Bulgaria. He captained the national team at Euro 2004 where he was sent off during a match against Denmark. He has appeared 68 times for his country, with 7 goals, before announcing his early international retirement after falling out with coach Stoichkov.
Steven Davis
In 2005 he was a regular for club and country, missing only one game for Villa in the 2005-06 season. Having put in some stunning performances for club and country Davis was named Villa's Young Player of the Year, The Fans Player of the Year and Player of the Year for 2005/2006. On 21 May 2006, he became Northern Ireland's youngest modern day captain against Uruguay in the USA.
Stuart Taylor
Taylor was at Arsenal since joining the club in 1997 as a youth player. He was loaned out several times – to Bristol Rovers, Crystal Palace, Peterborough United and Leicester City. He played only 30 times in eight years for Arsenal, as he was often the club's second or third-choice keeper. However, this included ten League appearances in Arsenal's 2001-02 Premiership-winning season, thus qualifying him for a winner's medal. Taylor played for the England U-20 team at the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship. He has been capped three times for the England U-21 team. He joined Villa in 2005.
Gabriel Agbonlahor
Of half Nigerian descent but chose to play for England Under 21’s. Regarded as a huge promising talent. Has built on unsuccessful loan spells with Watford and Sheffield Wednesday. Was a star Villa’s Under 21 Youth Tournament in 2005 after a losing finalist medal in Villa’s Youth Cup of 2004. Scored on his debut against Everton in March 2006 after 13 goals in 11 games for their B team. He came on as a substitute in the 3-1 win over Birmingham City on 16 April 2006, in a game that effectively ended the Blues' hopes of avoiding relegation. Very quick and obviously talented Agbonlahor is one to watch for the future and is in the starting eleven under Martin O’Neill.
Wilfred Bouma
A regular with PSV,playing as a left winger and as forward because of his quick pace and direct passing. There he teamed up with Bruggink and at times, with van Nistelrooy. When Numan went off to Rangers at the end of the 1999-00 season, Bouma was moved to left-back. With the 2002 World Cup qualifiers entering its crucial stages, Bouma was chosen to represent the Dutch. In the Euro 2004 tournament, he was chosen to play as a central defender and he has also retained that spot while playing for PSV in the 2004-05 season. Just before the close of the international transfer window, Bouma signed for Aston Villa in August 2005 for £3.5m.
Ashley Young
Despite having been turned away by Watford's Academy after an unsuccessful spell, Young endeavored to improve himself as a player and was eventually offered a professional deal by the club. Young came to prominence in the 2004-05 season, playing a part in 34 of Watford's league matches as they struggled to survive in the Championship. Although he failed to find the net, he supplied several assists. His performance during this season earned him the club's Young Player of the Season award. Under Boothroyd in the 2005-06 season, Young was given a new lease of life as a striker. Young started 41 League matches, finding the net 15 times, as Watford qualified for the playoffs and eventually gain promotion to the Premier League. An offer of nearly £10 million from West Ham United was accepted in January 2007. However, Young rejected the move, opting to wait for offers from clubs for whom relegation was not an issue. Villa had an £8 million offer, rising to £9.75 million with add-ons, accepted and the signing was confirmed on January 23, 2007. Young scored on his debut in a loss away to Newcastle. Also plays for England Under 21’s.
Ashley is an Arsenal fan (Ian Wright was his favourite player) despite his parents are being Spurs fans. His brothers are all Liverpool supporters and all play for Watford.
Aaron Hughes
He captains the Northern Ireland national team. Hughes can play Centre back, right back or left back, he is also able to play anywhere in midfield. He is usually employed in a right back or full back role for his club and country. He came through the Newcastle United ranks to become a regular in the Newcastle starting eleven; he made his first team début in the Nou Camp in a match between Newcastle United and Barcelona on November 26, 1997. In May 2005 Hughes was sold to Villa for a fee of £1.5m.
Hughes never plays in any shirt but the number 18 shirt, even at international level.
Liam Ridgewell
Part of the team who won the FA Youth Cup final in May 2002 against Everton, but did so having transferred from West Ham United in February 2001. He is a regular in England's U21 side. Ridgewell scored his first goal of the 2006/07 season against his former club.
Christopher Roy Sutton
In his career, Sutton has played for Norwich, Blackburn, Chelsea, Celtic and Birmingham. He has also been capped once by England. Able to play in either defence or attack. A very physical player, Sutton has been a fairly prolific goalscorer throughout his career and was joint top goalscorer (with Dion Dublin and Michael Owen) in the English Premiership for the 1997-98 season. He became the most expensive player in English football in July 1994,when he was transferred from Norwich City to Blackburn Rovers for £5 million. There he formed a Premiership winning partnership with Alan Shearer.
Sutton also holds the record for the quickest goal ever in an Old Firm Clash, scored at Ibrox in 2002, scoring inside just 18 seconds. Sutton was voted SPFA Player of the Year for Season 2003-2004. Sutton signed for on October 2006 until the end of the 2006/07 season. The move sees Sutton link up with former Celtic boss Martin O'Neill.
Sutton scored for local rivals Birmingham when they lost to Villa 3-1.
Gary Cahill
He has previously played for Burnley on loan and during his spell, he was handed the accolades of Burnley's Player Of The Year and Young Player Of The Year. He has since become an Under-20 international for England. He made his Villa debut as a substitute in the 5-0 defeat at Arsenal, and impressed on his first start against West Brom in 2006. Just a week later he scored his first goal against rivals Birmingham City, a magnificent volley that was, remarkably timed and struck, especially for a defender.
Luke Moore
The brother of QPR's ex-Aston Villa striker Stefan Moore, who together were a crucial part of the FA Youth Cup winning team of 2002. Went on loan to Wycombe and then returned, getting his break when his brother was out injured. He has a childhood problem with his right shoulder. He sustained a serious shoulder injury in a game against Chelsea. As a result he has had to have an operation on his shoulder, operated on in the USA under instruction by new owner Randy Learner. Moore has also played for the England Under-21s team.
Patrik Berger
Signed for Villa in June 2005. Started in 1989 with Sparta Prague, moving to rivals Slavia later. In 1995 he moved to Borussia Dortmund, winning the League and Cup that year. After displays at Euro ’96 Liverpool snapped him up for £3m. Injuries followed but he did collect an FA Cup and UEFA Cup Winners Medal in 2001. By 2003 he moved to Portsmouth, scoring the winning goal on his debut, ironically against Villa. Loaned out to Stoke after injury again has limited appearances.
Phillip Anthony Bardsley
A Manchester United player On loan until the end of the season. He is the only current player who has come through all the levels of the Man Utd academy, starting out at the club at the age of 8. Has also be loaned out to Royal Antwerp, Burnley and Rangers. Has played less than 20 first team professional games in 3 years before Villa.
Robert Olejnik
Signed in 2003 joining the Youth system from FC Austria Wien. A Goalkeeper in Austria’s Under 21 team, having been in their Under 16,17,18 & 19’s. In 2005/06 he played in 8 Reserve and 10 Youth matches.
Craig Gardner
A trainee who turned Professional at the start of 2005. For a Midfielder he had a good scoring rate with 16 in 27 games for the Under 17’s in 2003/04 and 6 in 17 in the Youth team the season after. Has only played a small amount of games and is regarded as a future prospect at only 20 years old.
Isaiah Osbourne
A former England Under 16, Osbourne is a promising, tall midfielder aged only 19. O’Neill has made him a regular in the side, having been a reserve player. Has a relative, Issac, playing for Coventry City.
Shaun Richard Maloney
A transfer window addition for only £1m in 2007 from Celtic, re-united with O’Neill. An attacking midfielder or striker is held in high esteem and is known for his free-kicks.
Maloney joined Celtic as a trainee, signing in 1999 and debuting against Rangers. Maloney scored many important goals for Celtic in the 2005/2006 season and capped it by winning the SPFA Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards, the first time a player has won both plaudits. He also won Celtic Fans' Player of the Year, and Players Player of the Year in a season which saw him score 16 goals and contribute with 28 assists. Born in Malaysia but his parents moved to Aberdeen when he was young, opted to play for Scotland though. Played 104 goals in 8 years, scoring 26 times.
Only 5ft 7in but known for his stamina and technique.
Stephen O'Halloran
O’Halloran, a left-sided defender who has broken into the Villa squad for pre-season friendlies, has represented the Republic of Ireland at U15, U16 U17, and U21 level. O'Halloran signed for Aston Villa in 2003, and subsequently went out on loan to Wycombe Wanderers. Has since returned and been given the shirt number 29.
Pretty dire game today against Liverpool. I had the displeasure of actually being there. However they did little to even give the impression of actually scoring and a poor performance from them in general. Us on the other hand, were the same. Although we did have the better of the chances and should have had a penalty (in my totally unbiased opinion ;)). It was just what the game needed but it was never to be.
I've got home tickets to our last 4 games so I just hope they are all 100 times better than that game. Pitiful.
The Messiah
03-08-2007, 15:06
Shaun Maloney homesick? You've got to be fucking kidding me!
Liam Ridgewell
Part of the team who won the FA Youth Cup final in May 2002 against Everton, but did so having transferred from West Ham United in February 2001. He is a regular in England's U21 side. Ridgewell scored his first goal of the 2006/07 season against his former club.
now at bham
Dragonfly
03-08-2007, 15:15
Shaun Maloney homesick? You've got to be fucking kidding me!
:laugh: Where did you read that?
The Messiah
03-08-2007, 15:21
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has denied having any talks with Celtic about a possible return to Parkhead for Shaun Maloney.
Maloney has been strongly linked with a quickfire move back to Glasgow amid reports he had failed to settle in England.
O'Neill has admitted the Scotland international had at one stage been homesick, but he insists hehas had no contact with the player or Celtic.
O'Neil will now sit down and will talk to Maloney to see if he is unsettled at the club.
Talks
"I've been alerted to a story which says there are advanced negotiations with Celtic about Shaun," said O'Neill. "That is not true. I have not spoken to Shaun about this.
"I know he was a bit homesick but being homesick is one thing and leaving another - and he has not intimated to be about leaving.
"I will speak to him if it is necessary. But Celtic have not been in touch with me about Shaun. It is news to me.
Plans
"I wouldn't really be wanting people to leave the club. But if people are coming in and demanding that for one reason or another, then we will see.
"I'll ask the question and if there are genuine reasons for wanting to leave, I'll listen to them. But if you are talking about Shaun, I have not had that conversation with him.
"In this day and age, who knows what is happening but Celtic have not approached me."
Source (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_2638442,00.html)
nath_scfc
03-08-2007, 15:21
Maloney also refused to sign a young Villa fans autograph book at the end of the game on Wednesday night. Hardly going to endear him to the Villa fans. :huh:
Villa 3 Inter 0 :w00t
Oh yeah and Ridgewell: SCUM :realmad:
Here are the goals:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrCuIp_mq0Q
I must ask, what happened to Inter?
I must ask, what happened to Inter?
They got outworked, outplayed & outclassed. So in other words they didn't turn up. But seriously we played superb and they were just dire.
Barry involved with all three goals. I've always been surprised at his lack of call ups, I think he's a quality player.
nath_scfc
09-08-2007, 15:21
Heard we're loaning Osbourne and another player from you Krook. Is he good? If it was who I think it was when you played us, I'd be pleased with that.
Heard we're loaning Osbourne and another player from you Krook. Is he good? If it was who I think it was when you played us, I'd be pleased with that.
Osbourne isn't bad at all considering his age. From what I've seen of him he's like a weaker Sissoko, even looks similar to him. If you need a battler and someone to do a bit of dirty work in midfield then he'll prove a good acquisition to your team. I wonder who the other player is as we don't really have much to spare...
Barry involved with all three goals. I've always been surprised at his lack of call ups, I think he's a quality player.
I've always thought that and am glad others think so too. However it seems McClaren's shoe-shiner has pretty much cemented the place in line after Joe Cole. In case you don't know who I'm talking about it's Stuart Downsyndrome. ;)
Dragonfly
03-12-2007, 01:41
http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/0212_ashley_young_web_cam_sex. shtml
:laugh: :no:
The Messiah
03-12-2007, 01:46
Young's tackle looks x-rated.
mufcsean
03-12-2007, 17:27
:laugh: what an idiot
Stella Artois
03-12-2007, 18:19
Doesn't help the lady he is talking too also looks like a bloke. :|
somegooner
09-02-2008, 14:20
Why does Martin O'Niell have a "31" on his jacket instead of his initials.
mufcsean
09-02-2008, 14:26
Probably not his jacket. Poor first half performance, lucky you were only playing Newcastle.
31 cuz it's gonna be 3-1 to the villa!
Lulz.
somegooner
09-02-2008, 14:49
31 cuz it's gonna be 3-1 to the villa!
Lulz.
No seriously Miggy. He always has a 31 embroidered onto his chest.
Apparently it's in honour of Brian Clough.
somegooner
09-02-2008, 17:12
Apparently it's in honour of Brian Clough.
Why did Brian Clough have a 31 then??
The Messiah
09-02-2008, 17:14
He died when he was 31. :huh:
The Eristic
28-02-2008, 17:43
Villa for Europe! I think they may have what it takes to topple Wenger's boys at the moment.
somegooner
28-02-2008, 18:00
Villa for Europe! I think they may have what it takes to topple Wenger's boys at the moment.
Well I don't. I expect that they will go out there with fire in their bellies.
mufcsean
28-02-2008, 18:33
It's at the Emirates isn't it? If so i expect a win for arsenal but a draw wouldn't surprise me.
Villa are a team who are growing on me, i never liked you because of your kit :lol:, but now you are playing some very good football and i fully expect you to be in Europe next year.
Villa had seemed to be a boring team for so long. Not going to get relegated, or not going to get into Europe. They were just there.
But (as much as 50! will try and deny it) Martin O'Neil has done a hell of a job there. He's brought a few of the the youngsters through and bought the right players in.
I tipped them to get 5th this season, but they could possibly exceed that and take 4th.
I'd rather them get 4th than Liverpool, it's a big 3 now anyways not a big 4.
I think they're squad isn't big enough to take 4th, like O'Neill has admitted. But a few good signings in the summer and they will challenge next year. The race for 4th place will be great next year as Liverpool, Spurs, Everton and Villa should all challenege, maybe even Blackburn and Pompey. Can't see anybody splitting up the three at the top.
Dragonfly
28-02-2008, 18:59
I'd rather them get 4th than Liverpool, it's a big 3 now anyways not a big 4.
As you've said before. :tongue:
I reckon you guys will give us a hard game. I'm just wondering if Wenger will start with a weakened team or start with our best eleven then take off our stars.
mufcsean
28-02-2008, 19:09
I agree it is a big 3 :tongue:
Anyway, i think Villa have a big enough squad to get 4th, they will just struggle next year with all the games ;)
Keyser Soze
28-02-2008, 19:37
Thing I respect about what O'Neil's done most is the fact that he's built the foundations of the team with British players.
mufcsean
28-02-2008, 19:43
Yeah that is another reason i enjoy watching them with the likes of Barry, Young Agbonlahor Carson and Davis they are all future/current England players who are very promising players. Also i love Laursen and Mellberg shame Mellberg will be going
AgentZero
28-02-2008, 22:00
yeh i would dearly love it if Villa gets in 4th. I just purchased a Agbonlahor kit of ebay.
The Eristic
01-03-2008, 20:01
Damn! So close. Villa really showed Arsenal up, imo. Just need a touch more quality on the finish. If the forwards could've converted a quarter of the chances they made, the game would've been well over.
Hopefully you can take something from Man United when you play them. To be honest, you're due a result against them.
Aston Villa are great for the league. They give English players a chance and when they come up against the top teams they attack them. If the league is going to be competitive more teams need to take a similar approach.
Stella Artois
01-03-2008, 20:48
Aston Villa are great for the league. They give English players a chance and when they come up against the top teams they attack them. If the league is going to be competitive more teams need to take a similar approach.
:erm:
somegooner
02-03-2008, 03:29
The Villa fans at the stadium were wankers.
The Eristic
02-03-2008, 06:36
The Villa fans at the stadium were wankers.
Most fans are wankers at some time or another, it seems. 'Cept for maybe Reading fans. They seem like an all right couple of guys.
mufcsean
02-03-2008, 19:02
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is hopeful of landing American keeper Brad Guzan in the summer. (News of the World)
O'Neil is also keen on unsettled Hamburg midfielder Rafael van der Vaart. (News of the World)
The first one is nothing new as that has been reported everyday in a different paper since December.
The second one however is just ridiculous, that will never happen.
AgentZero
03-03-2008, 12:48
25quid longsleeve kits on avfc.com.....:realmad: here i was buying it of ebay !
mufcsean
03-03-2008, 15:24
£20 for the short sleeved with printing, that's a great deal. I'm gonna get the home shirt s/s with Agbonlahor on the back. Great Find Los
AgentZero
03-03-2008, 20:25
anytime man i should add this to the bargain bin thread.
AgentZero
13-05-2008, 14:45
http://www.footballshirtculture.com/200805121395/fans/-mellberg-thanks-4-your-support.html
what a great parting gift.
The Messiah
26-07-2008, 21:19
Poor sod. I wish him a quick recovery.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnZzero7aZ8
Taken from football rumours:
"My gran lives in the same old peoples hospital as steve sidwells gran who said that steve was signed as a replacement for gareth barry and that gareth is definately going to sign for liverpool before the end of the transfer window. my gran also said that the team morale is really high despite the barry saga and apparently the team went on a really good bonding session night out in solihull a few weeks ago. come on the villa."
Greatest rumour source ever?
mufcsean
19-08-2008, 22:53
:chanlaugh:
nickpring
19-08-2008, 23:15
:chanlaugh:
The Eristic
28-09-2008, 00:07
Villa's looking sharp... up front, anyway. I'm somewhat disappointed with Friedel since his move. He was one of the best at Blackburn, but now he just seems rather old. :^/
The Eristic
16-11-2008, 00:28
Go on you Villans! :^D
mufcsean
16-11-2008, 03:26
Why Agbonlahor wasn't called up to the England squad i don't know :faceplm:
AgentZero
16-11-2008, 06:15
cant beleive he celebrated the first. Gabby is surely one for the future hopefully he'll keep this up. I really cant see him going to any other club tbh, probably wont need to if Villa do break the top 4.
The Eristic
16-11-2008, 07:52
cant beleive he celebrated the first.
Guess he figured it was as good as his. :lol:
mufcsean
16-11-2008, 13:05
Erm...He was :|
:doh: i swear it didn't say his name on teletext
The Eristic
22-11-2008, 20:48
We'll take the point. Carew should've been put on earlier, though.
The Eristic
07-12-2008, 19:04
Ashley Young = Class. Possibly Legendary. :^D
I wish I didn't turn over at half time now.
Ashley Young = Class. Possibly Legendary. :^D
Long way to go mate.
The Eristic
07-12-2008, 19:21
Long way to go mate.
To Legendary, perhaps you're correct (which is why I said "possibly"), though for Villa fans, our dreams are all about trying stay in contention for that 4th position this season, and the contribution of that last goal to the cause (and the manner in which it arrived, especially given two previous nil-nil draws and a sub-par UEFA Cup performance) has to be given at least slightly exaggerated significance. I liken it to Babel's winner against United. Yeah, the player may *not* be a Legend bona fide (yet), but the goal might be.
Right, glad you cleared that up. He will be though, I know he had a hell-alot of assists last season and can see him doing the same this year. The team does look suited around him with his set-peices and cutbacks.
Phil W.A.F.C
07-12-2008, 22:23
Ashley Young take a bow son. Simply brilliant.
I thought he had a quiet game by his standards, though he produced 2 great finishes. Villa at their best though are great to watch.
Rumours in Marca say Ramos is interested in Young.
mufcsean
15-12-2008, 13:46
Hopefully he won't go, I really like Villa and i hope they keep their best players, especially if they break into the top 4.
He's welcomed at Chelsea. Would be a huge improvement on Kalou and Malouda.
Hopefully they take him and some how forget about Ronaldo (doubtful).
mufcsean
15-12-2008, 13:55
We should offer a swap deal, him for Nani
The Eristic
15-12-2008, 21:09
We should offer a swap deal, him for Nani
Can you imagine Nani under MON? The stories would be amusing, to say the least. :huh:
Also, stay the hell away from A. Young. L. Young, on the other hand... :unsure:
Seriously, though, I can't see O'Neill letting Ashley leave without a huge fight and/or price tag, probably bigger than Barry's (and deservedly so, imo), and if Villa keep going the way they are, I doubt Ashley will really want to. He's an essential component of their success, and I hope that responsibility will act as something of a bond to the club when big money comes calling.
Madrid are linked with Ashley Young too it seems. :shifty:
Preki-USA
16-12-2008, 15:14
Can you imagine Nani under MON? The stories would be amusing, to say the least. :huh:
Also, stay the hell away from A. Young. L. Young, on the other hand... :unsure:
Seriously, though, I can't see O'Neill letting Ashley leave without a huge fight and/or price tag, probably bigger than Barry's (and deservedly so, imo), and if Villa keep going the way they are, I doubt Ashley will really want to. He's an essential component of their success, and I hope that responsibility will have act as something of a bond to the club when big money comes calling.
That's why O'Neil says he's, "world class." :cool:
I hope he stays for his own sake. He's just really coming into his own and if he moved he could get lost at a big club.
He only sign an extended contract a month or so ago. There's no way he'll be leaving in January. If in the summer, clubs the size of Madrid are genuinely interested, then something could happen.
PESFan92
17-12-2008, 00:01
Ashley Young & Agbonlahor for England :smug:
AgentZero
17-12-2008, 06:22
should they break into top4, there would be very little to no reason for them (Gab and Ashley) to leave at this stage of their career.
-Premier League contenders
-Champions League Football
That will happen if they keep their best players (Young, Agbonlahor). It would be interesting to see should they break into the top 4, because they are the team with most English players among the top 4 if I'm not wrong. However, it's hard to say if they can stay in the top 4 for several years to come.
Mjällharth
17-12-2008, 21:16
What a fine little scoreline.
You do know Villa are no way at full strength?
3-1 Hamburg. How stupid is Sidwell, picking up two yellows in a relatively meaningless game,now he's suspended for the 1st leg of the Knockouts.
Mjällharth
17-12-2008, 21:29
Yeah, I'm aware. Actually when I posted this I was fooled by an Eurosport typo claiming it was 4:0
In the end, I think it turned out well for Villa that they finished 3rd. No Champions League opponent.
I don't think anyone will want to face a full strength Villa side in the Knockout games. Plus, Villa are always capable of getting something in away matches with there pace and counter-attacking ability.
The Eristic
18-12-2008, 02:40
Bishop, I think finishing third means we've dodged Milan, too. :^D
Can't complain, really. I'd much rather the core of our 1st team be rested for the League than throw them on in a meaningless game. Trying to strengthen our league position at 4th has to be the priority.
Honestly, I'd hoped to see ALL the youth on the bench get a start. Maybe could have prevented the Sidwell sending off, as well.
Also, Zat Knight is pretty terrible. We need to sell him to a Championship club as soon as the window opens.
haha. I always love seeing villa get pounded.
are they still through?
Yes they are through. They finished third in Group F.
The Eristic
20-12-2008, 21:54
:shifty:
Yes I know. You are also third in the Premier League.
CaptainCabinet
20-12-2008, 22:09
Bishop, I think finishing third means we've dodged Milan, too. :^D
With Gabby and Ashley I'm sure Sweey will agree you would tear Milan apart.
Scrappy but good result today. A win is a win at the end of the day. At the moment they are 2 points agead of Man United but Utd have 2 games in hand :erm:
The Eristic
20-12-2008, 22:27
When does United have to make those up?
mufcsean
20-12-2008, 22:44
14 Jan vs Wigan
17 Feb vs Fulham
Looks like Villa will be going down one (maybe 2 :ninja:) places, once United have played their 2 games in hand.
mufcsean
20-12-2008, 22:52
Yeah i fully expect us to pick up 6 points from those 2 games, with them both being at home.
Phil, before you comment, shut up, Wigan aren't good and won't get anything from OT, end of.
nickpring
20-12-2008, 23:33
Yeah i fully expect us to pick up 6 points from those 2 games, with them both being at home.
Phil, before you comment, shut up, Wigan aren't good and won't get anything from OT, end of.
Agreed on both of those points.
Back on Villa though, their a great side, I really wish they'll continue their form and break the 'top four' this season. Ashley Young and Gabby Agbonlahor are definitely on their way to the top, in my opinion.
The Eristic
20-12-2008, 23:34
I can see Fulham managing a draw. Wigan, not so much.
Yeah definately. Villa do deserve to get in the 'top four', they have made brilliant steps these past few seasons. They have a brilliant manager and tactician in O'Neill, just take a look at what he's done to Villa. Fantastic.
By getting in the Champions League, that would mean all the key players would be more than keen to stay put (even Barry? :ninja:) and would lure world-class talent into Villa Park to improve the squad to compete with Europe's finest.
I still want Arsenal in the Champions League though :erm:
For as great, an seemingly realistic, achievement finishing 4th would be, people should remember what happened to Everton when they finished 4th. Finishing 4th does not guarentee Champions League football, you still have to win a tricky Qualifying game to get in, and if Villa do finish 4th, they would have to face a seeded team like Everton did. Though Everton were unlucky to draw Villareal, who went on to reach the semis. Also, Everton's league form dipped and they finished in the bottom half.
I'm not saying this will definitely happen to Villa but it's possible. I personally would like to see a new team in the Champions League but it would seem it would be at the expense of Arsenal. So in conclusion, stop it Villa!!!
mufcsean
20-12-2008, 23:56
Everton only finished 4th because Liverpool underperformed in the league though, i doubt they would have finished 4th had Liverpool not concentrated so much on European games.
AgentZero
21-12-2008, 00:21
Hold on to Young for all moneys worth, hope he is more sensible than his Portuguese counterpart at United and says a flat-out no.
A shame Arsene didn't cash in on him while he was at Watford. He would've been great for us. English aswell :(
AgentZero
21-12-2008, 22:46
Friedel was easily your best player in a drab affair at Upton park, Blackburn must be kicking themselves after disposing him for Robinson.
greenegg
25-01-2009, 20:09
------------------------------Heskey--------------------------------
---Young--------------------------------------------Agbonlahor-----
I'm looking forward to seeing this. Aggy and Young would thrive off of the link up play that Emile provides and whilst not being overly well known for his goal getting I fail to see how he can't bag a few in this kind of system. I hope Villa break the big 4 stranglehold.
mufcsean
25-01-2009, 20:14
I agree, all 3 will benefit from that formation. Got to feel for Carew though, he has been brilliant for Villa and was unlucky with the injury, I doubt he'll start much when he comes back.
greenegg
25-01-2009, 20:17
Well Carew and Heskey will have to compete for that place and so that should be another plus for Villa. I think Heskey and Carew are both good target style players but after a few games with Emile ask Gabby or Young who they prefer and I feel both will pick Heskey. Nearly all of Heskey's Strike PArtners have loved playing off of him because where he may lack in goals he makes up for in inter play.
I agree, Heskey is the better of the two I feel. I must say I have enjoyed watching Villa this season. They're an exciting team. O'Neil has done a great job there.
I'm also keen to see Cuéllar succeed there. The ugly bastard.
greenegg
25-01-2009, 20:25
I agree, Heskey is the better of the two I feel. I must say I have enjoyed watching Villa this season. They're an exciting team. O'Neil has done a great job there.
I'm also keen to see Cuéllar succeed there. The ugly bastard.
We can't all be as good looking as you Miggy :wave:
Anyway I never said Heskey was better just that he brings more to the party. It'a a great question though.
Who is better Heskey or Carew?
For what it's worth I'd opt for HEskey.
mufcsean
25-01-2009, 20:32
We can't all be as good looking as you Miggy :wave:
Anyway I never said Heskey was better just that he brings more to the party. It'a a great question though.
Who is better Heskey or Carew?
For what it's worth I'd opt for HEskey.
Both are very similar and do a similar job but Carew seems to get more goals but it's too hard to call, like you say it's not a bad problem to have.
greenegg
25-01-2009, 20:35
Both are very similar and do a similar job but Carew seems to get more goals but it's too hard to call, like you say it's not a bad problem to have.
I'm not being a pedant but goals don't nesseccarily equate to being better. I think Carew has a better touch and more skill but Heskey is more for the team and I feel slightly stronger. But as we've agreed it's a pretty nice dilemma.
I agree that it's a good signing. They spent quite a lot of money on Milner though so we might not see the setup that greenegg posted, might be more like this ..
Milner Petrov/Sidwell Barry Young
Heskey Agbonlahor
Having said that it would be difficult to drop one of Petrov and Sidwell. Oh I dunno really, it's tough to call. Seems to be between Milner, Sidwell and Petrov for that last space in the team, guess we'll have to wait and see.
One thing this debate proves though is that Villa not only have a good XI but unlike last season they now have some real strength in depth, great chance of getting 4th
The Eristic
25-01-2009, 21:02
I agree with Spencer, in that I think we'll at least try to play almost a 4-2-4 initially. Milner has been doing quite the job, so I doubt he'll get dropped, and we know Young and Gabby aren't going to be. That does create a little cause for concern, though, because the three in midfield has been fairly effective, and if we have to drop one... With Laursen out, could be risky, especially if we keep Cuellar at right back and Knight in the center. Cuellar gets skinned to easily out wide, and Knight is too easy to beat if the ball is played to feet. Carlos needs to be in the middle, and Knight needs to be on the bench unless we're playing a team who relies on the long ball and/or aerial attacks.
Heskey vs Carew? Both big and strong, but rather different overall. Carew has pace, power, height, touch, and an eye for goal. Heskey has hustle, vision, unselfishness, and a lower center of gravity that lets him get down and battle the defenders.
Can't say I know who to chose. However, I do know that if Carew ever gets fit and we can play them both together, with Ashley and Gabby or James on the wings, most defences will be soiling themselves. :^D
Mullet Taylor
25-01-2009, 21:05
its a wonderful position to be in though, being spoilt for choice
The Eristic
25-01-2009, 21:12
Oh yeah, definitely. My only major concern with Heskey is his fitness, but words can't fully express how thrilled I am that we DIDN'T BUY DEAN ASHTON! SWEET JESUS, YES! :^D
I can understand a fan not wanting his team to sign Dean because of injuries but when he's fit and firing he's a very good player. Sadly injuries are ruining his career though. :( so we're not getting to see a fit and firing Deano.
The Eristic
25-01-2009, 21:20
I can understand a fan not wanting his team to sign Dean because of injuries but when he's fit and firing he's a very good player. Sadly injuries are ruining his career though. :( so we're not getting to see a fit and firing Deano.
Yeah, I'm being a little unfair, but we were linked with him in a lot of outlets before the window opened, and I was utterly terrified at the thought of us paying a lot of money for someone who we'd probably get six or seven games out of, max. I do agree that he can actually score rather spectacularly when on form, but he's just never, ever fit. :^(
Yeah exactly and it really is a great shame because I know just how capable this guy is. I think he's unlike any other English striker to be honest. He has so much in his locker. Good in the air, scores goals, very two footed, technically sound, intelligent, good at bringing others into play. The only things he lacks are pace and mobility and obviously most importantly fitness :(
Great buy with Heskey a few additions end of season i think you could shock a fair few next season.
Mullet Taylor
25-01-2009, 21:29
how many englishmen does the villa squad have now ? l
The Eristic
25-01-2009, 21:47
As far as 1st teamers who've played recently:
Davies
Luke Young
Shorey
Harewood
Milner
Barry
Agbonlahor
Ashley Young
Sidwell
Reo-Coker
Knight
Delfouneso
Taylor (ok, not so recently, but he's there, anyway)
Gardner
Osbourne
Heskey
There are a few English kids who've made the bench, too, but I haven't seen them play.
Phil W.A.F.C
25-01-2009, 22:02
Heskey is yet to play :erm:.
The Eristic
25-01-2009, 22:04
Heskey is yet to play :erm:.
I didn't say for Villa, necessarily. ;^)
My Uncle got let down by Villa for 8 grand, fuck!
8 grand?!?! what the hell did he bet on!?
He done a two from each section 14 teams and Villa v Cheltenham let him down i'd be hanging from a rope if that was me let down!
haha Never trust the vile, man!
Vitumbiko
22-03-2009, 19:19
haha you guys were massacred today haha
haha you guys were massacred today haha
What a pointless, inflammatory post.
Pathetic.
What a pointless, inflammatory post.
Pathetic.
True though! :D
Lord Shrimpeh
22-03-2009, 20:48
I feel sorry for Villa really wanted you guys to break the top four. But keep hold of Barry pay some money and buy a high quality player (not just squad players like Heskey) and you could do it next season
The Eristic
22-03-2009, 22:04
Depth is our major problem. The players that make up our ideal starting eleven are either injured (or just coming back from) or visibly exhausted.
Heskey has disappointed me so far. He was never going to be a major goal threat like Carew, but he hasn't really even done much in holding up play and bringing in others. Sure, he's been a bit unlucky (header off the post last week, etc), but in general, he's been tremendously ineffective. We desperately need to bring in another attacker with more dynamic qualities and who is more dangerous in front of goal.
We need to beef up central midfield, too. Barry and Petrov have been sitting deep the whole season, and since we've changed to two up front, Sidwell has been dropped, and there's nobody to link them to the attack, which forces us completely wide and makes us predictable. Further, there's nobody to cover once the wings *do* get forward, and when either or both midfielders try to support, the defensive line is exposed.
Laursen's ongoing absence is a major blow, but he's getting on in age anyway. Curtis Davies is no replacement yet, Cuellar hasn't been played in the middle enough this season to be comfortable already, and Zat Knight is never reliable, so we have to seek out another experienced central defender in the Summer. Sans Laursen, our back line is visibly nervy and unpredictable.
I also want a real left back. Luke Young has put in good shifts for the most part, but you can see he's really uncomfortable there when playing against teams with aggressive wingers. Bouma's back in training, I believe, and I expect Shorey to leave in the window, but who do we get to compete with Wilfred? He's not appropriate for every match. I still like Matty Taylor, but I think he's taken too much a liking to the more attacking role he's playing at Bolton to be moved back to defense.
I'm cautiously optimistic about next matchday, because we have some time to rest and reorganize, will hopefully be well motivated to make up for today, and United will be missing key players. Major issue will be Guzan in goal. He's a great young keeper, but being handed your full League debut at Old Trafford in a high stakes games, oh my. :^|
Whatever happens, we MUST hold on to a European spot of some sort, else we won't be able to attract the quality of player we need. Fortunately, we have a *fairly* average list of fixtures once the United game is past, and Arsenal have a very, very tough end run, so maybe we can scrape something out.
We've been linked with mostly English talent in Summer, namely Daniel Sturridge and Michael Johnson from City, as well as Glen Johnson, and though they aren't really what we need immediately, I'd gladly take them just for some quality depth! Who or what do you all think we should be looking at?
mufcsean
23-03-2009, 01:48
haha you guys were massacred today haha
True though! :D
You two morons are the reason why I don't want Liverpool to win anything more than any other reason, especially you Vitumbiko, you change between clubs more than Barndoor rants on about other members mothers' clunges, and that is saying something.
I also want a real left back. Luke Young has put in good shifts for the most part, but you can see he's really uncomfortable there when playing against teams with aggressive wingers.
When Luke Young was at the Boro i seen him have C.Ronaldo in his pocket, I hadn't seen a left back do that all last season!
"Young played all but the first 3 games of the season and was nicknamed "Mr.Consistent" by Middlesbrough fans after a very good solid season on Teesside and just missed out on the Middlesbrough fans player of the season award."
I'd love to see him back with us! but were going down so he wont be joining us if he does go :(
i like the guy he's a solid left back!
AgentZero
23-03-2009, 10:42
i have a feeling you lot will be the 3rd team to beat us in a row.
You two morons are the reason why I don't want Liverpool to win anything more than any other reason, especially you Vitumbiko, you change between clubs more than Barndoor rants on about other members mothers' clunges, and that is saying something.
It's called banter!!
CRISSGRAN
23-03-2009, 11:27
Yeah, they should try being Old firm fans, get way more abusive banter than that. ;)
CaptainCabinet
23-03-2009, 21:05
haha you guys were massacred today haha
How's your missus?
Dragonfly
23-03-2009, 21:08
How's your missus?
Didn't she dump him? She wouldn't be his "missus" any more. I'm sure you posted in that thread.
How's your missus?
Didn't she dump him? She wouldn't be his "missus" any more. I'm sure you posted in that thread.
Ouch.
How's your missus?
:no:
(:lol:)
http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/8290/sahp.jpg (http://img6.imageshack.us/my.php?image=sahp.jpg)
:lol: :lol:
Meyyappan
24-03-2009, 14:08
Hahahahaahahahahahahahhahahaha ahahhahahahaha
Just heard that Martin Laursen has been forced to retire from football. Sad news, especially after having such a great season last year, looked like he'd overcame his fitness problems.
Villa have definitely suffered in his absence.
AgentZero
15-05-2009, 23:15
yeah much agree...Laursen was a rock last season, itll be hard to mount a challenge for the top4 without such a prolific defender
The Eristic
16-05-2009, 09:45
A consistent, intelligent, and commanding CB is top priority in the Summer now. Someone to calm the back line down and keep everyone in order. The sort of fearless calm in coping with attacking pressure that Laursen had is what we've been sorely lacking since his departure. Davies is too inexperienced, Cuellar too new to the League and too often deployed at RB, and Knight wildly inconsistent. We've been either digging ourselves into a hole early on, or getting ahead, then giving it up in the last five minutes. It's exceptionally difficult to play our counter attacking game now (not even starting on our static midfield selection and the general ineffectiveness of Heskey in our system), as we seemingly are required to give up goals before we get a chance to take the ball the other way!
Dragonfly
13-08-2009, 22:13
http://news.aol.co.uk/footballers-brother-dies-in-holiday-tragedy/article/20090813125809990002?icid=main |main|dl1|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fn ews.aol.co.uk%2Ffootballers-brother-dies-in-holiday-tragedy%2Farticle%2F2009081312 5809990002
The Eristic
14-08-2009, 02:31
Saw that on a Villa board earlier. A real shame. Best wishes to their family. :^(
The Eristic
13-09-2009, 23:53
So, by all accounts (game wasn't on non-subscription channels over here, and it was WAAAAAAAAAAY too early for me anyway), Dunne and Collins were both rocks in central defense today. Must say I'm pleased to hear it, as I didn't really know what to think of their signings.
Also pleased to beat City, of course, but I can't understand why McCleish was so hesitant to even try to get them playing football.
Because they simply cant. Im right yeah Dale? :smug:
Mullet Taylor
21-09-2009, 15:47
wonder what woulda happened if it was one of Villa's big stars that o'neil fell out with ?
i actually forgot that villa signed Downing. Im wondering what system villa will use when the likes of Young, milner and downing are available
Looks like we're about to sign Marlon Harewood on loan shortly.
You'll be sorry when Ashley Young, Gabriel Agbonlahor and John Carew are found out. Looks like we've just stolen your plan B!
:erm:
AgentZero
21-09-2009, 22:56
i like the cut of you lots jib...quietly creeping into top4 with an equally impressive defensive stat (thus far)
The Eristic
22-09-2009, 06:39
Looks like we're about to sign Marlon Harewood on loan shortly.
You'll be sorry when Ashley Young, Gabriel Agbonlahor and John Carew are found out. Looks like we've just stolen your plan B!
If by "plan B" you mean that one must plan to press B to jump and stomp when a Harewood is encountered, then I am compelled to agree.
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f250/the_eristic/mario_harewood.jpg
Isaiah Osbourne? is he a good player?
boro have just signed him on a 2 month loan!
The Eristic
05-11-2009, 20:13
Isaiah Osbourne? is he a good player?
boro have just signed him on a 2 month loan!
He's occasionally brilliant, often solid, occasionally useless. Tall, very strong, good header, gets stuck in. When he's on form, he's an asset, but when he's off, he can be a real liability. He's still young for his position (holding midfield, though he will usually try to get forward) and not consistent/experienced enough for the Premier League, but should do fairly well in the Championship, I'd imagine.
cheers! well if he plays up to his good points he'll fit in well because this is what we need.
uA - 1905
14-02-2010, 17:55
Any thoughts on the game, The Eristic?
The Eristic
15-02-2010, 10:41
Any thoughts on the game, The Eristic?
Only got to see highlights. Palace away was always going to be a battle, especially when they knew a good result would be a major financial boost for the club, but adding to that, we still seem to be half-assing it against statistically inferior opposition, which worries me, as that has been our problem in the League, too. I wouldn't mind so much if I didn't fear we'll do the same against the likes of Burnley, or if we'd played more second stringers instead of a majority of our unrested first 11 yet again, and knowing that not taking control of the game and putting them away like we should've with the team we put out has earned us a replay something like four days before the League Cup final.
I'm not trying to diminish Palace, either, as they looked excellent and well worth the result (and we may or may not have gotten lucky with the corner that led to our equalizer), but if our team had played to its normal defensive standard, we'd be through already. Both Palace goals were preventable (in spite of the second being a genuinely fantastic free kick), and you wouldn't expect the team with the best defensive record in the Premier League to be giving those up against Championship opposition.
Mullet Taylor
20-03-2010, 15:35
i'll never understand why Carew isn't first choice ahead of Heskey. The only reason big john started today was because Gabbi wasn't available
Rumour has it that Robbie Keane might be on his way to Villa in the summer
The Eristic
20-03-2010, 17:14
i'll never understand why Carew isn't first choice ahead of Heskey. The only reason big john started today was because Gabbi wasn't available
Rumour has it that Robbie Keane might be on his way to Villa in the summer
Post-Liverpool Keane, not sure he'd be much of an improvement, though he would read the flick ons coming from Heskey and Carew better than most. If he gets him form back consistently, maybe, though Spurs will probably want waaaaay too much for him.
Carew is the best finisher at the club, but he's massively inconsistent. He's unplayable when he decides to turn up, but when combined with his fitness problems, that tends to happen only once every four or five games. I'm not a big Heskey fan, but he always works hard for the team. Wish MON would give Delfouneso more time.
I'm most annoyed with Cuellar at right back. He clearly isn't one, and was fantastic with Dunne at CB earlier in the season. He's fine against Stoke, Bolton, and co, but against pacey wingers, he looks horribly uncomfortable, is naturally drawn inside too often, and doesn't have the skill set necessary to adequately support our own wide men in attack. The manager's persistence with him at fullback is also keeping one of the league's better all-around fullbacks, and our best real right back in ages, Luke Young, on the bench. Worried he'll get so disgusted, he'll leave in Summer.
You lot, like Portsmouth, can fuck off and rot after today.
8-7! You're gonna win 8-7...
Football being the strange game it is, they'll probably beat Chelsea in the FA Cup now.
The Eristic
27-03-2010, 18:52
It was always going to happen. The manager will not rest anybody (well, except for today, when he rested a couple tired but fit players, choosing tired and unfit players instead), so we wind up playing three games in a week with something like four injured players. That sort of pseudo-442 away at Stamford Bridge is a lousy idea anyway, given Chelsea's strength in central midfield.
stottmeister
30-03-2010, 14:04
i'm hearing on talksport that there are unconfirmed reports of martin o'neil leaving aston villa.
is there any truth in this?
It was always going to happen. The manager will not rest anybody (well, except for today, when he rested a couple tired but fit players, choosing tired and unfit players instead), so we wind up playing three games in a week with something like four injured players. That sort of pseudo-442 away at Stamford Bridge is a lousy idea anyway, given Chelsea's strength in central midfield.
I agree. O'Neill seems to think it's possible fielding the same XI all the way through the season. There has to be some rotation going on otherwise the players will tire, especially at the end of the season and yet again, Villa have slipped up. He's only got himself to blame cos on the whole, they haven't suffered too many injuries this season.
They've blown 4th place now, and with the way Everton are going they may not even get a Europa League place.
Dragonfly
30-03-2010, 19:43
Doesn't O'Niell have a record for poor ends to seasons? In England at least; I'm not sure about his spell at Celtic.
Dragonfly
16-11-2010, 20:16
It looks like Robert Pires is yours. It'll be great to see him play in the Premier League again.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6511355,00.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/39961000/jpg/_39961587_pires_emp300x300.jpg
Diving cunt can rot in hell.
Dragonfly
16-11-2010, 20:20
He's a legend! I can't wait for him to twine your defence into curly fries!!! :nath:
Diving cunt can rot in hell.
Behave.
Best left winger in Europe before his knee injury, and wasn't at all bad when he returned. Obviously won't be as quick but Villa have nothing to lose signing him. Hope it works out for him.
The Eristic
17-11-2010, 03:04
Not too worried about his lack of pace, as pace isn't something we're lacking! We desperately need fit bodies at the moment, as well as experience to keep our kids in line. Imagine he'll be deployed behind the striker or part of a midfield three, though, as Downing and Albrighton are owning the wings currently, probably coming on as a sub to help compose the side late in games, since we're having a hard time keeping possession and seeing out the opposition.
Jake Small
17-11-2010, 05:06
He must really like teams named Villa.
At Villareal he played more as a playmaker, TBH.
The Eristic
18-11-2010, 18:34
Done deal! AVFC Official Site report! (http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2224558,00.html)
Hope we'll at least see a cameo this weekend.
StringerBell
18-11-2010, 18:56
He must really like teams named Villa.
At Villareal he played more as a playmaker, TBH.
True he did, and when the team switched their style of play we didn't need him any more. He had a great spell for Villarreal which helped me to forget the way he handled his departure with OM.
Think Downing deserved to be in the England team this week. He's looked good of late, especially against Utd. Would have given some balance to the side, Milner was useless. Think Albrighton would have done a better job than Theo too. Signed Albrighton for my ML.
The Eristic
19-11-2010, 20:48
Downing has probably been our best overall player this season, massive step up from last year (admittedly, he returned from a long term injury in the middle, had no preseason). The fewer call ups we get at the moment, though, the happier I am. Last thing we need is more injuries!
Speaking of which, James Collins may or may not have a calf strain. That puts us at, potentially:
Petrov
Reo Coker
Sidwell
Carew
Heskey
Collins
Dunne
Clark
Cuellar
Beye
Weimann
Delph
Agbonlahor
Out or at least doubtful for the weekend. :^(
The Eristic
23-11-2010, 19:26
Albrighton out for at least 3 weeks with appendicitis and recovery from operation. Fecking hell.
thenotsogood
23-11-2010, 22:15
Downing over Milner atm definitely, great shout on that one.
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