Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: S_E_A on November 12, 2010, 09:44:35 AM
-
Hello all, I come in peace.
I run a Manchester United site (blog/forum) called Stretford End Arising.
As we face each other on Saturday are you interested in answering a few questions regarding Villa? The aim is to give my readers an insight into United's next opponents. A link to your site will be included in published article.
Chelsea, Fulham, West Ham and Everton fans have already participated this season in what I'm calling "Other Side Of The Coin". Here is a link to feature - http://www.stretfordendarising.com/category/other-side-of-coin/
Regards,
Andrew
-
No problem at all, ask away.
-
Sorry, I did mean Villa in my original post. I use the same template when asking this question.
Thank you very much for allowing me to do this - really is appreciated :)
Here are a few standard questions. If okay, I will ask Villa related questions later.
• What are your thoughts on Saturday’s game? How are Villa likely to line up? What formation do you think they will adopt and what team do you expect to be selected? Which players should United keep an eye on? Which United player do you think poses the greatest threat to Villa?
• Villa appear to have exciting youngsters coming through. Barry Bannan impressed massively earlier this season when he scored a hat-trick in the reserves fixture between the two clubs, plus there is Delfouneso and Albrighton. Which are your thoughts on these players? Are they good enough to become regular first team players? Which other youngsters are worth keeping an eye on?
• Which of the new summer signings have you been impressed by and who has disappointed?
• Favourite Manchester United vs Aston Villa match?
• Favourite all time Villa player?
-
Sorry, I did mean Villa in my original post. I use the same template when asking this question.
Thank you very much for allowing me to do this - really is appreciated :)
Here are a few standard questions. If okay, I will ask Villa related questions later.
• What are your thoughts on Saturday’s game? How are Villa likely to line up? What formation do you think they will adopt and what team do you expect to be selected? Which players should United keep an eye on? Which United player do you think poses the greatest threat to Villa?
• Villa appear to have exciting youngsters coming through. Barry Bannan impressed massively earlier this season when he scored a hat-trick in the reserves fixture between the two clubs, plus there is Delfouneso and Albrighton. Which are your thoughts on these players? Are they good enough to become regular first team players? Which other youngsters are worth keeping an eye on?
• Which of the new summer signings have you been impressed by and who has disappointed?
• Favourite Manchester United vs Aston Villa match?
• Favourite all time Villa player?
We're currently in the middle of our worst injury crisis for years, so expect to see a lot of kids. I think we'll try and keep it tight and play the following 4-5-1:
Young - Collins - Dunne - Warnock
Downing Bannan Clark Albrighton
Young
Agbonlahor
The emergence of the kids has been the high point of the season, and I think that Bannan, Albrighton and Clark all have bright futures for us.
Summer signings, are you taking the piss?! We lost our best player in Milner to your chums down the road, and our one new player was Stephen Ireland in part excchange. I really like him as a player, but he's done absolutely nothing this season so far, I really don't think that Houllier rates him.
Favourite all time Villa - Man U match for me was the 1994 League Cup final. Wasn't expecting much from the game but we battered you and had a great day out.
Favourite all time Villa player - Paul McGrath, thanks very much!
-
Thank you Risso!
Here are the final lot of questions
• Are you disappointed O'Neill is no longer manager? Has Gerard Houllier made a difference compared to Martin O'Neill's final season?
• United in recent times have an excellent record against Villa – why is this?
• Are Villa capable of competing for a Champions League place?
-
Thank you Risso!
Here are the final lot of questions
• Are you disappointed O'Neill is no longer manager? Has Gerard Houllier made a difference compared to Martin O'Neill's final season?
• United in recent times have an excellent record against Villa – why is this?
• Are Villa capable of competing for a Champions League place?
Disappointed? I was absolutely chuffed to bits to see the back of O'Neill and his dire brand of football. The jury is still out on Houllier, but until he's had time to bring in a few of his own players and ship out the ones that he doesn't fancy, I think most fans will be patient.
As for your record against us, I suppose the simple answer is that you've nearly always had a better team than us, but in a way I think those sort of runs become self perpetuating after a while, with the team almsot expecting not to win. It was nice to put the Old Trafford hoodoo to rest last season.
Unfortunately no, this season will be one of stabilising things after O'Neill left us in the lurch in the manner he did, so think that top 4 will be beyond us this season. I'm pretty sure the top 4/5 will be Chelsea, you lot, Arsenal, Man City and Spurs, probably in that order.
All opinions purely my own of course, I'm sure others on here will disagree with some/all of the above!
-
Thank you again, Risso. I'm hoping for varied opinions.
-
Ok
I think the line-up and formarion will be pretty much what Risso said. I'd watch out for Bannan, and if Gabby does start, although he is coming back from injury, I believe he has a pretty good record against you so far. From your lot, probably Berbatov will be the biggest threat, and Hernandez if he starts/comes on.
I do think both Bannan and Albrighton have massive potential, and if i'm honest i don't really think i've seen enough of Clark to judge. Delfouneso, the jury is still out imho.
Stephen Ireland? Erm, it's been a slow start... I'll back him to come good though given time to settle.
If i'm honest i can only remember relatively few enjoyable games between the two sides. Last season at Old Trafford ranks fairly highly in games I actually fully remember, having only been 6 or 7 for the 1994 LC Final.
Dwight Yorke - As much as I hated him for a while, my first Villa hero.
Any manager who thinks he has outgrown the club or develops an overwhelming self importance needs to go. I am not particularly sorry to see the back of him, with his seemingly limited knowledge of foreign transfers and Leicester City brand of football.
I agree with Risso, I think it became a negative mindset going into the game which started us off on the back foot. Hopefully the monkey is off our backs now and we'll have a real go tommorow.
I wouldn't really expect us to be challenging the champions league this year. Having said that, the majority of the table seems to be bunched up, and even the best teams are capable of slipping up. No-one looks nailed on for the fourth spot, so here's hoping!
-
Are you disappointed O'Neill is no longer manager?
Disappointed? I was absolutely chuffed to bits to see the back of O'Neill and his dire brand of football.
Ha ha ha, talk about a skewed sample
;-)
-
Are you disappointed O'Neill is no longer manager?
Disappointed? I was absolutely chuffed to bits to see the back of O'Neill and his dire brand of football.
Ha ha ha, talk about a skewed sample
;-)
Oh yes! I think we need more views on Mr O'Neill, perhaps you could give us your opinion Mr Walnuts? ;)
-
Favourite match:
23 December 1970. Villa 2 Utd 1. Attendance 62500.
Scorers: Lochhead, McMahon. Kidd.
This was Third Division Villa against Utd who had won the European Cup two years earlier and with most of the big named players in the team.
Villa had drawn the away leg two weeks previously and the second leg was eagerly awaited. Queues for tickets stretched from the Trinity Road Enclosure turnstiles, behind the Holte pub, down Witton Lane and up Nelson Road back into Trinity Road. By early morning the back of the queue could be seen from the front!
The atmosphere inside Villa Park on the night of the match was absolutely electric and many of us there still consider this our greatest game. Nobody wanted to leave the ground. The Utd keeper was Jimmy Rimmer. Who would have thought that twelve years later he would be playing in the European Cup Final for Villa.
-
• Are you disappointed O'Neill is no longer manager? Has Gerard Houllier made a difference compared to Martin O'Neill's final season?
I'm glad O'Neill has gone. He was the right person for the job four years ago but time has proven that when it came to transfers he was a ditherer. We'll have to wait and see with Houllier, but I personally suspect he's not "one for the future."
• United in recent times have an excellent record against Villa – why is this?
Because the game is all about money these days, to be frank.
Fair play to United, they have (as long as I can remember - from the 80s onwards) been very marketable due to their large support and this is something that gives them an advantage over everyone, other than those clubs bought by Russian billionaires and oil-drenched sheikhs. This helps make United better than most on the pitch, Villa included, sadly.
• Are Villa capable of competing for a Champions League place?
Not a cat's chance in hell at the moment. A few seasons down the road, with the emerging talent, maybe several astute signings and a manager being able to think outside the box (not certain that's Houllier yet) then who knows?
-
I think Albrighton and Clark have the makings of future internationals,but may sure your neighbours don't get to see these answer as they have previous with poaching Villa internationals.
-
Favourite match:
23 December 1970. Villa 2 Utd 1. Attendance 62500.
Scorers: Lochhead, McMahon. Kidd.
This was Third Division Villa against Utd who had won the European Cup two years earlier and with most of the big named players in the team.
Villa had drawn the away leg two weeks previously and the second leg was eagerly awaited. Queues for tickets stretched from the Trinity Road Enclosure turnstiles, behind the Holte pub, down Witton Lane and up Nelson Road back into Trinity Road. By early morning the back of the queue could be seen from the front!
The atmosphere inside Villa Park on the night of the match was absolutely electric and many of us there still consider this our greatest game. Nobody wanted to leave the ground. The Utd keeper was Jimmy Rimmer. Who would have thought that twelve years later he would be playing in the European Cup Final for Villa.
This is more than my favourite Aston Villa - Manchester United match. This is my favourite Villa match ever.
-
Question for S_E_A
Why do some man utd fans wear the Newton Heath Scarf with the latest replica Red shirt underneath?
-
I am not trying to be faceious here but most other teams in football would see United as having the benefit of the doubt from referees (Fergie time, Nevilles tackles vs Stoke, Nani handball, Vidic not being sent off in Carling Cup final etc etc). As a United fan can you actually see this or, in your view, does it "even itself out over the season"?
One other question what views do you hold on your manager refusing to give his views on MOTD?
-
Sorry, I did mean Villa in my original post. I use the same template when asking this question.
Thank you very much for allowing me to do this - really is appreciated :)
Here are a few standard questions. If okay, I will ask Villa related questions later.
• What are your thoughts on Saturday’s game? How are Villa likely to line up? What formation do you think they will adopt and what team do you expect to be selected? Which players should United keep an eye on? Which United player do you think poses the greatest threat to Villa?
I think it has a draw written all over it. You aren't playing well and we will be starting with half of the youth team on account of injuries. We will play one up top and we rather hope that will be a fit Gabby who we have missed tremendously so far. Downing has been baout our best player this season.
• Villa appear to have exciting youngsters coming through. Barry Bannan impressed massively earlier this season when he scored a hat-trick in the reserves fixture between the two clubs, plus there is Delfouneso and Albrighton. Which are your thoughts on these players? Are they good enough to become regular first team players? Which other youngsters are worth keeping an eye on?
They can all make it in the first team it just would have been nice if they were not getting such a baptism of fire. MON and is lack of rotation policy to blame there. Gary Gardner is out injured at the minute but he is one hell of a prospect.
• Which of the new summer signings have you been impressed by and who has disappointed?
We haven't signed anyone bar Ireland who is still feeling his way in.Although for a gratuitous dig, Sidwell is the single biggest waste of space I have seen in a Villa shirt in the last decade.
• Favourite Manchester United vs Aston Villa match?
1994 league cup final
• Favourite all time Villa player?
Paul McGrath
-
Thank you Risso!
Here are the final lot of questions
• Are you disappointed O'Neill is no longer manager? Has Gerard Houllier made a difference compared to Martin O'Neill's final season?
I couldn't be happier that MON has gone with his one dimensional, unwatchable crap football that we played at home. The timing was bloody dreadful though.
• United in recent times have an excellent record against Villa – why is this?
More money makes better players and we are also hampered by the fact your manage rhas a lot of respect for us so tends to play the full first team whereas he may rotate against other clubs.
• Are Villa capable of competing for a Champions League place?
We are capable but we won't. After being dropped in the shit 5 days before the start of teh season it really is the cups for us to concentrate on this year although any finish below 8th would be disappointing.
-
Friedel in goal, Defence- Young,Warnock,Dunne,Collins, Midfield- Young,Albrighton,Bannan,Clark,Downing, Attack- Agbonlahor. Greatest threat, Albrighton- Ashley Young if on form, Gabby if 100% fit. Youngsters, Albrighton and Delfouneso are very good, Bannan- not sure yet. Summer signings? That was a joke question wasn't it? Stephen Ireland. Liked him at City but hasn't impressed so far. Favourite games against United- Didier Six debut in '84, Old Trafford November '88, Boxing Day '89 and the '94 final. Villa players? Tony Morley and Paul McGrath.
-
Sorry, I did mean Villa in my original post. I use the same template when asking this question.
Thank you very much for allowing me to do this - really is appreciated :)
Here are a few standard questions. If okay, I will ask Villa related questions later.
What are your thoughts on Saturday’s game?
I think you are nothing special this season but we have 463 players out injured. Ireland’s got the flu? 464. You should be favourites especially if Vidic brings his referee with him as usual, but you never know.
How are Villa likely to line up? What formation do you think they will adopt and what team do you expect to be selected?
Depends on how many get injured in the warm-up. Probably - Friedel, L Young, Warnock, Dunne, Collins, Albrighton, Clark, Bannan, Downing, A Young, Agbonlahor (4-5-1).
Which players should United keep an eye on?
Sidwell. He’s injured for a while but watch him for the rest of the season. Then bid £60million for him. You won’t regret it… he’s the greatest player of all time. Make it £100million and we’ll thrown in Curtis Davies.
Which United player do you think poses the greatest threat to Villa?
The referee.
Villa appear to have exciting youngsters coming through. Barry Bannan impressed massively earlier this season when he scored a hat-trick in the reserves fixture between the two clubs, plus there is Delfouneso and Albrighton. Which are your thoughts on these players? Are they good enough to become regular first team players? Which other youngsters are worth keeping an eye on?
They are all good enough to become first team players with the possible exception of Delfouneso, on whom the jury’s still out. Hopefully he will come good. I always liked Clark, Bannan and Albrighton when I saw them in the reserves / youth. I like young American right-back Eric Lichaj (pronounced to rhyme with ‘yee-haw!') too. Ellis Deeney, a left-back, is my pick of the youth team but he is probably a couple of seasons off debuting yet.
Which of the new summer signings have you been impressed by and who has disappointed?
Van der Vaart has been pretty good. Sadly, not for us.
Favourite Manchester United vs Aston Villa match?
The Okey-Cokey Final, 1994.
Favourite all time Villa player?
The man Franco Baresi called “the best defender in the World”… Paul McGrath. You’ve probably heard of him.
Here are the final lot of questions
Are you disappointed O'Neill is no longer manager?
Not really. I was getting fed up with his xenophobic recruitment policy. Was disappointed by the way he left us. This myth about ‘no money to spend’ grates. Only Manchester City have spent more money than us since 2006. Only Agbonlahor (who had only previously played one game) remains from the O’Dreary era. This is O’Neill’s team. Yet despite all the money lavished on him to spend on some stars (Ashley, Milner one or two others) and a whole lot of dross (Davies, Harewood, Shorey, Sidwell, etc) he wasn’t prepared to stick by the club unless he was given even more money to spend. Unless he knows some friends who are Sheikhs he is unlikely to find a more generous employer elsewhere than Randy Lerner. Fuck him.
Has Gerard Houllier made a difference compared to Martin O'Neill's final season?
A bit, in that he’s blooded some youngsters. Although I think O’Neill wouldn’t have had much choice with the injuries we’ve had. One difference is that I reckon O’Neill would’ve loaned or sold Barry Bannan and we would be stuck with Salifou or Osbourne as our current midfield lynchpin. Still, it’s too early to tell with M Houllier. As others have said, give him a couple of transfer windows and we’ll see.
United in recent times have an excellent record against Villa - why is this?
Generally you’ve been better than us. I think we suffer as we are not good enough to regularly challenge you as Chelsea, Arsenal and (occasionally) Liverpool have been. However, we’re too big for you to completely disregard us and play your kids against or take us for granted. In this respect we’re similar to Spurs… who also have a shocking record against you. Still, four points last season and even the most one-eyed Man U fan would have to admit we were cheated blind at Wembley so maybe we can start to turn round our poor run against you.
Are Villa capable of competing for a Champions League place?
Villareal? Yes. Us? Not yet, maybe in a couple of seasons.
-
S_E_A, the above post from cdvillafan is pretty much spot on.
-
Hello all, thank you very much. I'm delighted with answers.
Bren_d, the green and gold scarf has become a fashion item...
-
Since when did it become fashionable to look like Delia Smith?
-
I am not trying to be faceious here but most other teams in football would see United as having the benefit of the doubt from referees (Fergie time, Nevilles tackles vs Stoke, Nani handball, Vidic not being sent off in Carling Cup final etc etc). As a United fan can you actually see this or, in your view, does it "even itself out over the season"?
One other question what views do you hold on your manager refusing to give his views on MOTD?
Oh I've got at least 4 more example from today to add if you ever bother to respond.
-
Since when did it become fashionable to look like Delia Smith?
Ha ha
-
I am not trying to be faceious here but most other teams in football would see United as having the benefit of the doubt from referees (Fergie time, Nevilles tackles vs Stoke, Nani handball, Vidic not being sent off in Carling Cup final etc etc). As a United fan can you actually see this or, in your view, does it "even itself out over the season"?
One other question what views do you hold on your manager refusing to give his views on MOTD?
Oh I've got at least 4 more example from today to add if you ever bother to respond.
4? Please do tell.
-
Decisions in favour of United is overplayed in my opinion. I'm not saying we dont have decisions go our way - would be daft of me to suggest otherwise. I will say that decisions in favour for United are remembered and continually discussed compared to other teams.
-
Decisions in favour of United is overplayed in my opinion. I'm not saying we dont have decisions go our way - would be daft of me to suggest otherwise. I will say that decisions in favour for United are remembered and continually discussed compared to other teams.
Probably because they occur more regularly aswell.
-
Cheers lads for answers. Do you mind providing brief after-match thoughts? Good luck for the remainder of the season.
-
Cheers lads for answers. Do you mind providing brief after-match thoughts?
Yes.
You lucky. lucky bastards!
-
Cheers lads for answers. Do you mind providing brief after-match thoughts? Good luck for the remainder of the season.
Firsty as a general point I cannot fathom how you cannot see that you always get the rub of the green from the refs. Always. I was hoping you would have given us an "I know its funny aint it" response.
4 off the top:
Hernandez boots the ball into the Holte End after the whistle and doesn't get booked (he would have been subsequently sent off in second half. For about 10 years any player kicking the ball away after the whislte has been booked and the tongue in cheek tap into the goal after the whistle has become a thing of the past. He did hear it because clearly the hoof into the Holte wasn't what he would have done if play was live.
Nani clearly had his ego bruised be being tackled by Warnock and not getting a free kick and as he came back on he was clearly fuming. Next high challenge he looks round at where Warnock was 3 times before deliberately planting his elbow in Warnocks face. This is violent conduct. The ref somehow gives a yellow not a red.
Browns challenge in giving the penalty away denied a clear goal scoring opportunity - should have been a red card. (There is nothing in the rules about being last man this is just something made up by ill informed pundits).
Ashley Young was booked after scoring for jumping into the crowd. I think the rule is stupid but it is a rule therefore he got a yellow. Vidic did exactly the same thing after scoring but was not shown a yellow (his second).
In all seriousness I admire you coming on here and sharing information and I do not wish to appear bitter but we have had to put up with this from refs in United games for years and it is a real bug bear of mine.
I appreciate any views you have.
-
Hernandez boots the ball into the Holte End after the whistle and doesn't get booked (he would have been subsequently sent off in second half. For about 10 years any player kicking the ball away after the whislte has been booked and the tongue in cheek tap into the goal after the whistle has become a thing of the past. He did hear it because clearly the hoof into the Holte wasn't what he would have done if play was live.
But as Andy Gray said on the commentary, it didn't warrant a booking as he was just "practising his finishing". I'm not making that up either, he actually said it.
-
I love the way Sky make the rules up -just like the "was he last man" comments which have no basis in the laws of the game.
-
Favourite Villa v Man U?
Yeah, well of course LC semi 23.12.70. great Man U team. Brilliant AV performance. Sir Bobby said" Villa were simply the better team". I was there for both games. Atmosphere. Christ, never to be repeated.
Still. I was at the '94 LC final as well, and again whatta pleasure to beat you guys.
Hate you as I (we all do), respect is there. Must be because beating Man u is important.
Lucky on Saturday though. I remember you in the second division!
Welcome. Thanks for manner of your approach.
-
Cheers lads for answers. Do you mind providing brief after-match thoughts? Good luck for the remainder of the season.
Firsty as a general point I cannot fathom how you cannot see that you always get the rub of the green from the refs. Always. I was hoping you would have given us an "I know its funny aint it" response.
4 off the top:
Hernandez boots the ball into the Holte End after the whistle and doesn't get booked (he would have been subsequently sent off in second half. For about 10 years any player kicking the ball away after the whislte has been booked and the tongue in cheek tap into the goal after the whistle has become a thing of the past. He did hear it because clearly the hoof into the Holte wasn't what he would have done if play was live.
Nani clearly had his ego bruised be being tackled by Warnock and not getting a free kick and as he came back on he was clearly fuming. Next high challenge he looks round at where Warnock was 3 times before deliberately planting his elbow in Warnocks face. This is violent conduct. The ref somehow gives a yellow not a red.
Browns challenge in giving the penalty away denied a clear goal scoring opportunity - should have been a red card. (There is nothing in the rules about being last man this is just something made up by ill informed pundits).
Ashley Young was booked after scoring for jumping into the crowd. I think the rule is stupid but it is a rule therefore he got a yellow. Vidic did exactly the same thing after scoring but was not shown a yellow (his second).
In all seriousness I admire you coming on here and sharing information and I do not wish to appear bitter but we have had to put up with this from refs in United games for years and it is a real bug bear of mine.
I appreciate any views you have.
Amazingly Nani was sent off at our place last year but Vidic has got away with it 3 times now - home game two seasons ago where he tugged Gabby back and denied a scoring opportunity and I don't think we even got a free kick, then the Final last year. Nani and Brown should have gone this time if the rules were applied properly and the ref had any balls. But perhaps he was "managing the occasion", to quote the wanker Graham Poll.
-
Hello again 8)
With United facing Villa on Tuesday are you interested in answering a few questions regarding Villa. We did this the last time the two teams met. Here is the blog article - http://www.stretfordendarising.com/2010/11/12/other-side-of-coin-villa-fans-on-o%E2%80%99neill-saturday%E2%80%99s-match-and-more/
Here are questions:
1. What are your thoughts on Tuesday’s game? What team is Gerard Houllier likely to select and what formation will he adopt? Where will the game be won or lost?
2. Your thoughts on Villa’s transfer activity during January? The transfer fee paid for Bent, money well spent? Surprised by the signing? Initial thoughts on Makoun? Why has Randy Lerner allowed Houllier to splash the cash? Why the short stay for Stephen Ireland?
3. Last time we spoke I asked whether you were pleased Martin O’Neill was no longer manager and if Houllier had made a difference. It was too soon in Houllier’s tenure to give a fair assessment was the general response. What are your thoughts on Houllier now?
4. We also discussed several youngsters including Barry Bannan, Marc Albrighton, Gary Gardner, Nathan Delfouneso, Ciaran Clark and Eric Lichaj. How are they progressing? Are there any other young players emerging from the ranks?
5. Are you concerned by relegation? Or do you believe Villa have enough quality to avoid an end of season battle?
Thank you 8)
-
Hello again 8)
With United facing Villa on Tuesday are you interested in answering a few questions regarding Villa. We did this the last time the two teams met. Here is the blog article - http://www.stretfordendarising.com/2010/11/12/other-side-of-coin-villa-fans-on-o%E2%80%99neill-saturday%E2%80%99s-match-and-more/
Here are questions:
1. What are your thoughts on Tuesday’s game? What team is Gerard Houllier likely to select and what formation will he adopt? Where will the game be won or lost?
Will be more than happy with a draw, but if your guys hit form then we could take a beating, worryingly you have not lost without playing great but at some point I guess it will click, just hope it isnt on tuesday. Impossible to tell what Houlier will do, every team selection has had a surprise element to it. I guess it will be 4-5-1 Friedel Walker Collins Dunne Clark-Downing NRC Petrov Young Agbonlahor Bent.
Our left back situation is a problem in that Clark is a centre half so expect Nanni to have a run at him. Gabby will probably play on the left to cover. Although I would like him to be up against Vidic.
2. Your thoughts on Villa’s transfer activity during January? The transfer fee paid for Bent, money well spent? Surprised by the signing? Initial thoughts on Makoun? Why has Randy Lerner allowed Houllier to splash the cash? Why the short stay for Stephen Ireland?
Its been pretty good, we were in trouble and the signings have lifted the club. A lot of money for Bent who i think has limitations but his scoring record speaks for itself, we have been crying out for a goal scorer since Yorke (remember him). Makoun comes with a decent pedigree. Houlier was allowed to spend because we went the whole summer without addressing the squad. Ireland didnt want to come and has demonstrated that since he arrived, a terrible piece of business.
3. Last time we spoke I asked whether you were pleased Martin O’Neill was no longer manager and if Houllier had made a difference. It was too soon in Houllier’s tenure to give a fair assessment was the general response. What are your thoughts on Houllier now?
Having got off to a bad start both on and off the pitch, he seems now to have settled the situation, he has bought new ideas and a different style of play and the squad looks a lot better, there is still some dead wood to clear but it looks more promosing. Still not 100% convinced but he without doubt has the support of the owner and thats good enough for me right now.
4. We also discussed several youngsters including Barry Bannan, Marc Albrighton, Gary Gardner, Nathan Delfouneso, Ciaran Clark and Eric Lichaj. How are they progressing? Are there any other young players emerging from the ranks?
Bannan is a real prospect, Albrighton is raw but has proved good enough to be a PL player. Gardner yet to make a first team start but many who watch him are very exited. Delfounso looks promosing but too early to tell, Lichaj has had a few games but needs more time. Nathan Baker has impressed at left back but again is a centre half. Our reserves beat Arsenal reserves 10-1 the other week so it looks like there is talent coming through. How many will make it is another thing.
5. Are you concerned by relegation? Or do you believe Villa have enough quality to avoid an end of season battle? Three weeks ago, very, but the new signings and 3 wins on the trot have changed that, There are a lot worse teams in the PL than us. We will be OK.
Thank you 8)
-
1. What are your thoughts on Tuesday’s game? What team is Gerard Houllier likely to select and what formation will he adopt? Where will the game be won or lost?
Despite winning last year, I'd be well happy with a draw. United look like champions again this year and not many teams will get anything up there. Can see Cuellar playing at right back, Clark at left back with the rejuvenated Collins and Dunne in the middle.
2. Your thoughts on Villa’s transfer activity during January? The transfer fee paid for Bent, money well spent? Surprised by the signing? Initial thoughts on Makoun? Why has Randy Lerner allowed Houllier to splash the cash? Why the short stay for Stephen Ireland?
Great business all round, in and out. I think Lerner's trusted Houllier to get the wage bill down and rewarded him with the money for Bent. Hopefully we'll be able to offload the likes of Beye and Ireland in the summer too, if anyone's stupid enough to match their wages.
3. Last time we spoke I asked whether you were pleased Martin O’Neill was no longer manager and if Houllier had made a difference. It was too soon in Houllier’s tenure to give a fair assessment was the general response. What are your thoughts on Houllier now?
After the Sunderland defeat at xmas, a lot of people thought that might be it, but it looks like the players have faith in him and he's winning the fans over now. Ive always said you cant sack a manager without giving him a chance to put his own team in place.
4. We also discussed several youngsters including Barry Bannan, Marc Albrighton, Gary Gardner, Nathan Delfouneso, Ciaran Clark and Eric Lichaj. How are they progressing? Are there any other young players emerging from the ranks?
All coming on nicely, they've had no choice as they've all been thrown in at the deep end at various points this season and every single one has performed admirably. You can add Baker, Herd and Hogg to the list as well. I hope Gardner gets a few games before the end of the season. Isaiah Osbourne is the pick of the bunch though, you should have a word with Fergie about him ;)
5. Are you concerned by relegation? Or do you believe Villa have enough quality to avoid an end of season battle?
Not worried at all. Fairly sure we'll finish in the top half, which i'd have taken after that turncoat walked out on us in August.
-
1. What are your thoughts on Tuesday’s game? What team is Gerard Houllier likely to select and what formation will he adopt? Where will the game be won or lost?
I'm expecting a 4-3-3: Back four of Walker, Dunne, Collins and Clark. Midfield three of Makoun Petrov and Downing with Ashley Young, Darren Bent and Gabby Agbonlahor. Gabby doesn't look the greatest out wide but I think Houllier will favour him over Albrighton. I think we have turned the corner and that we now have a pretty decent side. However, as we have seen in recent matches Man United have a great deal of resilience and two marvelous strikers in Hernandez and Berbatov. I think we might go ahead but we will see a fightback from Man U leading us to lose 2 or 3 goals to one.
2. Your thoughts on Villa’s transfer activity during January? The transfer fee paid for Bent, money well spent? Surprised by the signing? Initial thoughts on Makoun? Why has Randy Lerner allowed Houllier to splash the cash? Why the short stay for Stephen Ireland?
I'm delighted. I have wanted us to sign Bent for years and he can be the prolific goalscorer we have lacked since we sold your lot Yorke. Makoun started brightly against Wigan but tired and lost his bite after the yellow card. The jury is still out on him but I'm positive on the whole. Kyle Walker who we have loaned from Spurs seems pretty tidy too especially going forward. If we add Bradley to the mix then we have had a decent window where we have strengthened in key areas.
I think the cash has always been there but signing Bent may have been a reaction to the trouble we have had scoring goals this season. Maybe the talk of him being a panic buy is slightly accurate but I'm not complaining.
Stephen Ireland's problem is with his mind. I don't think he wanted to leave Money City and that has shown in his performances which have generally been disinterested in poor. I don't think he will find form or desire again which is sad as he is potentially one of the best players in the league if he had that.
3. Last time we spoke I asked whether you were pleased Martin O’Neill was no longer manager and if Houllier had made a difference. It was too soon in Houllier’s tenure to give a fair assessment was the general response. What are your thoughts on Houllier now?
Had you asked me following the defeat by Sunderland I'd have told you I wanted him gone. However, from there we have turned things around. He has bought well in the transfer window and has started to notch up improved results. From the day we signed Darren Bent he has changed his demeanour. Prior to that he seemed a beaten and worn out man but now he is smiling and happy. In terms of his tenure things are looking up but we need to continue to get decent results.
4. We also discussed several youngsters including Barry Bannan, Marc Albrighton, Gary Gardner, Nathan Delfouneso, Ciaran Clark and Eric Lichaj. How are they progressing? Are there any other young players emerging from the ranks?
Nathan Baker has emerged from the reserves. A few years back he seemed an even better prospect than Clark but he faded badly. Recently, he seems to have improved and impressed the coaches enough to get first team chances. He is a centre half by trade but has been played at left back. A big lad (6ft3) he has really impressed with his pace and delivery from full back against Wigan and Blackburn. However, he is suspended for Tuesday.
In terms of the others you mention Ciaran Clark is really starting to stake a claim and should move across to left back on Tuesday. Gary Gardner is back in action for the reserves and should be making a claim for the first team soon. Guys like Hogg (who is now on loan), Bannan and Delfouneso have suffered from players returning to fitness. Bannan is going to be a big star if he reaches even half of his potential but he isn't getting as many first team chances. Same goes for Albrighton. I'd pick the pair ahead of Downing and Gabby but as long as we keep winning Houllier can do whatever he pleases.
5. Are you concerned by relegation? Or do you believe Villa have enough quality to avoid an end of season battle?
I wasn't one of those who were running around screaming that we were doomed earlier this season but I did start to doubt after Sunderland. As I've said though, a lot of water has passed under the bridge since then. Results have improved and we have pulled up the table and we have also had a good trading period so I'm starting to think we will be well safe. The prevailing mood in the last week on here has been less one of a relegation battle and more of a late push for Europe. I see us more in midtable but with a good foundation for next season.
-
1. Old Trafford!
-
Hello, thank you kindly for replying to questions. Hope I'm okay to post this, if not please delete.
Here is a preview of the game via my site - http://www.stretfordendarising.com/2011/01/31/manchester-united-vs-aston-villa-premier-league-preview/