Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: Holte L2 on January 08, 2012, 03:33:21 PM
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Does anyone know when the fixture is? It's supposed to be this month.
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I was wondering the same yesterday evening. No information on Pravda.
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Nothing here (http://www.nextgenseries.com/), either.
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All I can find is this link (http://www.om.net/fr/Saison/101005/Actualites/57693/NextGen_L_OM_battu_au_Celtic_Park) which says it is in January, but no more specific than that.
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'd have thought it will be advertised on avfc.co.uk soon
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NextGeneration
@NextGenSeries NextGeneration
Quarter Final dates and venues to be confirmed next week.
6 Jan via web
Retweeted by AxelBiggelaar and 1 other
it says on their twitter from friday
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January 25. 7 pm kick off.
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Is that confirmed?
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Tim Abraham tweeted that we've had time and date confirmed.
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Is that confirmed?
Yes. It's in that piece of bollocks rag The Daily Mail who quite inevitably have called Tottenham v Liverpool the pick of the games, despite our game, and Barcelona vs Ajax. I'll be so glad if/when we go on to win this. I really hope there is a great crowd for this game because the club and especially the kids all deserve it.
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And indeed by referring to Ajax before mentioning our success as the actual winners of the Group!!
Typical bias
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Quite right. We really do need to create some respect again.
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Any ticket details?
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Apparently Marseille have 2 players out through suspension.
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http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2571401,00.html[url] (http://[/url)
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Free to season card holders. Should guarantee a good crowd.
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Will GG be playing in these games, or is he considered part of the first team squad now?
It would be great experience for him.
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Hope he plays. He's been excellent for them in previous games.
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A right game trying to asign S/T for this game.
It changes every time I try it.
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Can't you just turn up?
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Can't you just turn up?
Yes, but you have to pay £3/£1 on the night, I will probably phone them and get the free tickets when I find out if I am going to Arsenal.
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I thought it was free if you have a ST?
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I thought it was free if you have a ST?
Only if you pre-order your free ticket by 6pm on the Tuesday before, you have to pay on the gate. If you want to get the free tickets online you have to do so by Sunday week.
Link (http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2571401,00.html).
Seems a bit of a weird way of doing things... but maybe they are trying to work out how many are likely to turn up in advance so they know how many stewards/food outlets, etc. they are going to need.
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Thanks for that.
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Transaction Fee
£2.00
Total
£2.00
Sod that. I'll get mine on Saturday.
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Transaction Fee
£2.00
Total
£2.00
Sod that. I'll get mine on Saturday.
I'd forgotten we were playing Saturday. Good idea. Can you let me know what time you will be arriving at the ticket office as I want to get there before it burns down? Winky thing.
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Ha! (12:30-ish)
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12.30? That's what time I normally get up for home games! Will just have to look for a couple of tickets in the ashes.
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12.30? That's what time I normally get up for home games! Will just have to look for a couple of tickets in the ashes.
You leave our Legion alone, the way some people go on you'd think the mere mention of his name causes disaster........................AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
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Transaction Fee
£2.00
Total
£2.00
Sod that. I'll get mine on Saturday.
That shouldn't have happened - I bought TC's and mine online there wasn't a fee charged.
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Well if it's going to happen to anyone, it's bound to happen to me.
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Transaction Fee
£2.00
Total
£2.00
Sod that. I'll get mine on Saturday.
That shouldn't have happened - I bought TC's and mine online there wasn't a fee charged.
Same here.
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Transaction Fee
£2.00
Total
£2.00
Sod that. I'll get mine on Saturday.
That shouldn't have happened - I bought TC's and mine online there wasn't a fee charged.
Same here.
You're not making him feel any better ;)
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(http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/4389/backtheyouth.png)
Hoping to get a even better turnout to this, give the young lads some brilliant support.
Just got my ticket - 0800 612 0970.
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I beleieve the youth are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way.
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I beleieve the youth are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way.
Is that the Sexual Chocolate version?
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I beleieve the youth are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way.
Is that the Sexual Chocolate version?
Well I'm aware of a version by Whitney Houston...
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I beleieve the youth are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way.
then we sell them on to city, united, Liverpool, Chelsea or Spurs. Looking forward to this game but no matter how good they are we are unlikely to benefit as a team.
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agree 100%. It's time to test the great Tommy Doc quote where he said if you hang 11 claret and blue shirts out to dry, you’ll get a crowd of 30,000 in to watch. These kids have done us proud and it will really stick in the throats of those who don't appreciate what is happening behind the scenes at the club. These kids play the right way, there is flair all throughout the team and they are our future. Now more than ever before, these kids will have a chance to become household names at Aston Villa. Marseille will be a great test, but there is no reason why we cannot win this game and the entire tournament. It would be brilliant to see a really big crowd. We are still a big club. Time to prove it.
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I beleieve the youth are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way.
then we sell them on to city, united, Liverpool, Chelsea or Spurs. Looking forward to this game but no matter how good they are we are unlikely to benefit as a team.
I believe we've made some good money already from the kids we've sold haven't we? If they turn out to be good enough for the teams you mention we'll make even more. I hear Liverpool are prepeared to shell out £20 million plus for a good youngster nowadays.
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I believe we've made some good money already from the kids we've sold haven't we? If they turn out to be good enough for the teams you mention we'll make even more. I hear Liverpool are prepeared to shell out £20 million plus for a good youngster nowadays.
They also seem willing to spend £20m on a gutless, spineless, witless, treacherous, mediocre sack of shit who (allegedly) beats on women. It's actually pretty charitable of them.
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I believe we've made some good money already from the kids we've sold haven't we? If they turn out to be good enough for the teams you mention we'll make even more. I hear Liverpool are prepeared to shell out £20 million plus for a good youngster nowadays.
They also seem willing to spend £20m on a gutless, spineless, witless, treacherous, mediocre sack of shit who (allegedly) beats on women. It's actually pretty charitable of them.
Sniggers uncontrollably...
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I beleieve the youth are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way.
Is that the Sexual Chocolate version?
Are the kids Coming to America?
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I beleieve the youth are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way.
Is that the Sexual Chocolate version?
Are the kids Coming to America?
Finally someone got my crappy joke!!
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Tickets gonna be available on the night?
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Yes. £3 adult, £1 child.
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on top of season ticket holders getting in free, that's a bloody bargain to see some really good action in what is an important game for our kids.
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Transaction Fee
£2.00
Total
£2.00
Sod that. I'll get mine on Saturday.
Odd. Just tried again and the booking fee was no longer there. cdvillafan will be overjoyed to know that the ticket officce will now still be in one piece when he gets there.
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I beleieve the youth are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way.
This is the email I got from AM today
I believe that children are our future ( Money in the bank)
Teach them well and let them lead the way ( Anarchy)
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier ( Villa 4v 0 Everton)
Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be ( 82 )
Everybody searching for a hero (Gabby Agbonlahor)
People need someone to look up to ( Gabby Agbonlahor)
I never found anyone to fulfill my needs ( Stephen Ireland ))
A lonely place to be ( Villa Park)
So I learned to depend on me ( Masturbation)
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ST's free and three quid for others. A bargain. Come on people get down there tomorrow night and support our future stars.
If you haven't seen them yet, then you'll be pleasantly surprised at the way they play, full of flair and no fear.
And when was the last time Villa were in a European Quarter Final?
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If you haven't seen them yet, then you'll be pleasantly surprised at the way they play, full of flair and no fear.
You only need to go on AVTV to see what you have been missing. This should be a cracker.
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I am really pissed off that health problems mean I cannot go to this, it should be a good night.
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I am really pissed off that health problems mean I cannot go to this, it should be a good night.
We'll give them a shout for you, Chris.
Hope you feel better soon.
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If you haven't seen them yet, then you'll be pleasantly surprised at the way they play, full of flair and no fear.
You only need to go on AVTV to see what you have been missing. This should be a cracker.
Quite right Dave. We are a superb team to watch and play football th right way. Gazza Gardner has been brilliant, and I've always been impressed by Johnson and Burke.
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Where's best to park tonight?
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Parking wont be a problem.
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Over 3k tonight according to Kendrick on twitter.
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Pity you couldn't just turn up with your season ticket tonight, they would have definitely got more people!
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Pity you couldn't just turn up with your season ticket tonight, they would have definitely got more people!
Do you really think that having to pay £3 is going to put off someone from being a "walk-up" ?
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Pity you couldn't just turn up with your season ticket tonight, they would have definitely got more people!
Do you really think that having to pay £3 is going to put off someone from being a "walk-up" ?
It might sway someone's decision, but probably not more than a handful. The reason for needing advance tickets might be that they have no way of knowing the potential crowd otherwise - it could have been 500 or 5,000, and they have to plan accordingly.
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Pity you couldn't just turn up with your season ticket tonight, they would have definitely got more people!
Do you really think that having to pay £3 is going to put off someone from being a "walk-up" ?
It might sway someone's decision, but probably not more than a handful. The reason for needing advance tickets might be that they have no way of knowing the potential crowd otherwise - it could have been 500 or 5,000, and they have to plan accordingly.
Could've been a lock out, which in times gone by those unlucky people would shrug their shoulders and make a mental note to arrive earlier in future. These days those locked out would run around looking for someone to blame and post screeching complaints all over the internet.
Anyway, come on me babies.
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Gardner's in:
Barrett - Nelson Addy - Kinsella - Gardner (c) - Webb - Williams - Carruthers - Johnson - Drennan - Burke - Cameron
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Not going to make it, my son's social life and subsequent taxi demands have taken precedence.
But c'mon the babbies.
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Any news?
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Wot's happenin?
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For those who have AVTV they are streaming the game live: http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/TV/LiveEventsDetail/0,,10265~2585929,00.html
For those who do not there is live text: http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/TV/LiveEventsDetail/0,,10265~2588619,00.html
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Im here but with no names on shirts im struggling to id more than 3 players! Can nyone help?
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1PA was there no programme? Can you keep us posted?
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It's a bit quiet on the match thread so I'll repost this here:
Sporting v Inter is available on the NextGen (http://www.nextgenseries.com) site. If we get through then we play the winners. They kick off at 7:30 so hopefully I'll be watching the last half hour to see who we've got in the semis!
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For those who have AVTV they are streaming the game live: http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/TV/LiveEventsDetail/0,,10265~2585929,00.html
For those who do not there is live text: http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/TV/LiveEventsDetail/0,,10265~2588619,00.html
It's not just live text it's audio commentary for non-subscribers on that link (if you don't mind putting up with Jack Woodward).
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1PA was there no programme? Can you keep us posted?
got here late so didnt look. were well on top to strt with, goal disallowed for offside (no.9) . Settled down now. our winger, no. 11 (carruthers?) Looking bright. Also gardner as youd expect.
tldr still nil nil...
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Im here but with no names on shirts im struggling to id more than 3 players! Can nyone help?
You could look at the screen to your right!
Anyway what do you think of the Linesperson?
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Im here but with no names on shirts im struggling to id more than 3 players! Can nyone help?
You could look at the screen to your right!
Anyway what do you think of the Linesperson?
ha! Woops, thet just had the badges and score up when i got here! as for the lineo, wouldnt want to commit myself from this distance. but i probably would.
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Bollocks, 0-1. Against the run of play but a good header.
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0-1 Gadi for them
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All over them, drennan should have put us one up,then we concede a goal from a free kick. totally unmarked he was. Some things never change.
and johnson heads over from 8 yards.....
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Thanks chaps. Keep us posted if you can. Don't worry. We will come back. Just sense it.
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I am getting wet 1 juan Pablo as right at the front and yes you would!
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Eh? Rude person.
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I think that's predictive text for 1. it's raining and 2. the lineswoman is going to get a lot of stick if she makes it to the big time :)
Half time, I think we've played quite well, particularly before the goal. Hopefully we'll finish some of our chances 2nd half.
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Good noise from the group standing in lower tier just left of centre. Sparing use of a drum is ok i reckon.
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Sparing use of a drum is ok i reckon.
That'll be Dave Woodhall.
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Here now and my hands are freezing. Good turnout. Two lower tiers are prey full maybe 5-6000. Should be ahead be 2 at least. Do all the hard work and cock up the execution.
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We've been just as impressive this half as we have been on previous outings in this competition apart from two big differences, we've missed all our chances and Gardner hasn't dominated yet.
Fairly confident we'll still come through, this lot aren't as good as ajax and we demolished them.
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I do like Daniel Johnson
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Well don't tell the Mrs. She has twins to look after. Go change those nappies man.
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I do like Daniel Johnson
And me, he always looks quality, how old is he?
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I do like Daniel Johnson
And me, he always looks quality, how old is he?
can't be much more the 19 I'd have thought. Another exciting lad on now, Jack Grealish. Has great ball skills.
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Where's Jack Grealish?
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need Gary Gardner to impose himself. He's not been himself in this game. He's dominated many of the games in this tournament.
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TV. How the heck are you watching this game?
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man, one of those nights. We cannot buy a goal
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http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/TV/LiveEventsDetail/0,,10265~2585929,00.html
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TV. How the heck are you watching this game?
On AVTV sweetheart.
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Tx Andy. Much appreciated. Unfortunately and for whatever reason I can't get in.
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Tx Andy. Much appreciated. Unfortunately and for whatever reason I can't get in.
Sorry..AVTV subscribers and s/ticket holders only I guess.
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Barrett's kicking and general distribution has been poor tonight
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That last corner sums up our night. We have got nothing right in front of goal. We created enough clear cut chances to win by a big margin. The lads will be gutted if we lose.
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YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Frustrating night. Their goal really settled them, I thought we battered them before that and created enough ch.
Get in you beauty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Get in !
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GET IN!!
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Gary Gardner in the last seconds of injury time!!!!!!
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Listening on WM and leaping around the living room. Caaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaam on!!!!!!
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Last fucking kick of the game. Are you kidding me. Magic. We have to go on and win this now. We've been brilliant all night without being clinical. Marseille must be gutted.
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fuck. Couldn't (wasn't allowed) to go to the match, watching on AVTV.
Gave up and did the washing up 2 mins ago. bugger!
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We can't lose from here.
Can we?
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3,500 attendance...I feel guilty about not going now.
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They've looked dangerous at times but I think we've created enough to deserve this. Grealish has done well since coming on. I'm gutted I couldn't make this as well.
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we really are so much better than Marseille. Tearing them a new one again in ET. Should have scored already. Our wingers look brilliant.
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Come on the nippers. Thanks for the updates those that are watching.
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We left 15 mins into 2nd half - got a lot to do this week, listened to WM on way home now watching AVTV.
Looks like they are playing like they did before they scored in first half.
Keep it up lads!
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Decent coverage on WM. C'mon you lions.
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two fantastic saves from Barrett
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Anyone else getting nerves like you're watching the 1st team? :)
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Decent coverage on WM. C'mon you lions.
Excellent, even 'Down Under'!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/bbc_wm (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/bbc_wm)
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fuck!!!!!! Marseille lead again
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shit
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Shit!
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Bollox...Villa 1 marseille 2
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Ratscocks
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meh. doing things the hard way.
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They seem to teach acting as well as football in Marseille. Time wasting too.
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Marseille keeper making a right meal of a nothing challenge. You'd think he'd been clattered.
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can't see us coming back again (not that I'm watching mind!) Sounds like a good performance though.
No chance of Gardner starting on Sunday I suspect?
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c'mon lads. 15 minutes to get an equaliser. You can do it.
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can't see us coming back again (not that I'm watching mind!) Sounds like a good performance though.
No chance of Gardner starting on Sunday I suspect?
I don't think he'd have started anyway with Ireland coming back.
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h/t of e/t...whatever happens, this is the best game I've seen at Villa Park this season.
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h/t of e/t...whatever happens, this is the best game I've seen at Villa Park this season.
just start the kids for the next home game
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Why do I think we will win this?
Keep going lads. And keep the updates. Many thanks.
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oooh handbags
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Cheating frenchy types...play acting and time wasting
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Only been watching since Extra Time, but their players seem like a right bunch of twats.
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What does meh mean? sorry...
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Miles onside...what the fuck is the linesman on?!?!?!?
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Only been watching since Extra Time, but their players seem like a right bunch of twats.
They are, def'n get my anti french mood on ready for the Emirates on Sunday
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Fuck off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That was well onside. The linesman got that completely wrong and we've just been robbed of a goal.
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ffs, that was a shocker from the linesman/women. Goal ruled out for offside.
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What does meh mean? sorry...
An expression of supreme indifference.
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linesperson. WTF happened
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6 minutes stoppage time
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6 mins of stoppage time, come on you Villa boys!!!!!!!
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6 min of injury time in ET
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What are we talking? One yard, three yards? Who 'scored'?
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Get Heskey On ! :o
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ffs, that was a shocker from the linesman/women. Goal ruled out for offside.
Women - Offside rule - What more needs to be said.
Silly Bitch.
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ffs, that was a shocker from the linesman/women. Goal ruled out for offside.
Women - Offside rule - What more needs to be said.
Silly Bitch.
You are Andy Gray and I claim my £5
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All over...cheating frenchys...fantstatic game though.
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Unlucky lads.
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ffs, that was a shocker from the linesman/women. Goal ruled out for offside.
Women - Offside rule - What more needs to be said.
Silly Bitch.
You are Andy Gray and I claim my £5
I agree with the other guy - what a dozy bitch. It was never offside. If it was a bloke, I'd call him a dozy ******. Either way, the fucked it up.
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Almost nicked it at the end again but it's not to be. At least they didn't win with play acting, time wasting and trying to get players sent off.
I'll look forward to this competition next season.
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ah, well played the kids. They gave everything. On another night they would have won by a hatful.
And that comment rjp about women assistant referees. You couldn't be talking any more bollocks if you tried.
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ffs, that was a shocker from the linesman/women. Goal ruled out for offside.
Women - Offside rule - What more needs to be said.
Silly Bitch.
You are Andy Gray and I claim my £5
Almost exactly the same age - but not him!
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ah, well played the kids. They gave everything. On another night they would have won by a hatful.
And that comment rjp about women assistant referees. You couldn't be talking any more bollocks if you tried.
Have you got the right person? Or did he edit one out.
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ah, well played the kids. They gave everything. On another night they would have won by a hatful.
And that comment rjp about women assistant referees. You couldn't be talking any more bollocks if you tried.
The misses is far too near for me to be making those comments mate.
ffs, that was a shocker from the linesman/women. Goal ruled out for offside.
Not exactly controversial :)
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Unlucky lads, but good effort.
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I was sat in the middle tier towards the Holte end for the first half. She was wasting her time trying to keep in line with the last Villa defender when there was no Om player any where near.
Didn't seem to have much of a clue.
Bring back Andy Gray on Monday nights - can't stand that twat Neville
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Drennan needs to learn the offside rule, offside by miles numerous times. Passing and movement brilliant. Crossing, heading, one on ones woeful. Daniel Johnson best player by miles.
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I was sat in the middle tier towards the Holte end for the first half. She was wasting her time trying to keep in line with the last Villa defender when there was no Om player any where near.
Didn't seem to have much of a clue.
Bring back Andy Gray on Monday nights - can't stand that twat Neville
I'll bet that clue or none, she knows the rules of football a lot better than you, or any of us on here, do.
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I was sat in the middle tier towards the Holte end for the first half. She was wasting her time trying to keep in line with the last Villa defender when there was no Om player any where near.
Didn't seem to have much of a clue.
I thought Lines persons are supposed to be in line with the last defender. Doesn't matter if there is a opposition player there or not.
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Just tried to get the result on avfc.co.uk but not updated, what was score?
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2-1 to them. We scored with the last kick of normal time to send it into ET but let in another. Possible good goal ruled out right at the end for us which would have meant pens.
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1-2 to OM cheating twats
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1-2 Marseilles :(
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I was sat in the middle tier towards the Holte end for the first half. She was wasting her time trying to keep in line with the last Villa defender when there was no Om player any where near.
Didn't seem to have much of a clue.
I thought Lines persons are supposed to be in line with the last defender. Doesn't matter if there is a opposition player there or not.
My point is she seemed to spend too much time watching the Villa defenders at the expense of keeping an eye on the other play - so when Drennan ran through she did not notice that he was onside running through (from an onside position) and she flagged for the 2 other Villa players in offside positions.
Running the line is a very difficult job - whether you are male or female - but when they make a mistake some have a choice of places to stick their flags!
And if another woman makes a remark about men not being able to multi - task I might just lose my temper!
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Listen. As an ex pat. Thanks for the constant updates/comments. So pissed off with result. Dunno why I thought this was ours. Very proud of our youth set up. Fuck it - lets go and spray paint a bed sheet. Y' know blame some person. Sashas G we can spray her side of the bed if it makes you feel better.
Well done lads.
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Who was Villas number 2? He was having to be consoled quite a bit at the end and when one of their players came to shake hands it looked like he told him where to go.
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Still can't believe Johnson didn't get a hat trick so poor in front of goal.
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The lads played well in parts but did seem to revert to hoofing more than I have ever seen them before. Is this a tactic now adopted at all levels;-)
We usually play through Gardner really well but he seemed to be pretty low-key tonight.
Saving himself for Sunday?
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Collins coaches them!
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Well a nice run in that competition, we did ever so well and with a bit of luck could have won at a canter. We were the better side throughout but some pretty ropey finishing did for us as we ran out of steam a bit in Extra Time, I think some of our younger, smaller players, particularly the full backs really struggled the longer it went on and started to switch off and give the ball away. Marseille breaking up our rhythm with time wasting and diving also didn't help.
Johnson was excellent throughout and the left winger, Cameron, also looked exciting if a bit raw. Gardener seemed strangely subdued. I cant say I was particularly impressed with any of the defenders or goalkeeper or the Marseille players.
Bad luck lads.
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Oh, and I was right in line with the lino for the second half, not even close to being offside for the first one, correct for the second. Dippy bint.
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You must have been sat near us then.
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I didn't get a gander at the front of her, was she a looker?
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Thought Carruthers was excellent.
Its good to watch kids who havent had individual flair coached out of them, enjoyable night! That rare event of watching a game at VP with a smile on the face.
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ah, well played the kids. They gave everything. On another night they would have won by a hatful.
And that comment rjp about women assistant referees. You couldn't be talking any more bollocks if you tried.
The misses is far too near for me to be making those comments mate.
ffs, that was a shocker from the linesman/women. Goal ruled out for offside.
Not exactly controversial :)
Mate, my sincere apologies. I got the wrong person. Should have been Sashasgrandad.
Sashasgrandad you're talking bollocks. She got it wrong but it has nothing to do with her gender. If you watch the PL every week male officials make horrendous errors with regularity. Especially numpties like Dowd, Webb and the king of getting it wrong Attwell.
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Had a great evening. Nice, cheap corporate hospitality. Well worth it. Nice to be able to warm up at half time.
Enjoyed the game. We should never have lost. Thought the first of the two offside incidents was onside, but we were sitting on the half way line (not literally) so not the best of views to judge.
The marseille trainer was knackered at the end. He'd spent more time running on the pitch than their players had.
Disappointed to have lost, but well done lads for the entertainment during this tournament.
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We'll win it next year.
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We'll win it next year.
Are we in it next year?
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Had a great evening. Nice, cheap corporate hospitality. Well worth it. Nice to be able to warm up at half time.
Enjoyed the game. We should never have lost. Thought the first of the two offside incidents was onside, but we were sitting on the half way line (not literally) so not the best of views to judge.
The marseille trainer was knackered at the end. He'd spent more time running on the pitch than their players had.
Disappointed to have lost, but well done lads for the entertainment during this tournament.
We were well placed to see that the first offside decision was hopelessly wrong, second time the decision was right. I thought that was the only decision the Female official got wrong, which is a fair few less than her Male Colleagues it has to be said.
But what the hell, well played the Villa kids you've done us proud in this competition. Got well and truly soaked getting home though!
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Pauline, we've signed a two-year deal to play in this. So, yes, we are definitely in it next year and hopefully we will be able to extend the deal and keep playing in it. There is talk of expanding it to 24 clubs and inviting Real and Manure, amongst others, too.
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We should have cruised it tonight. Played much better than v Ajax buy very wasteful in front of goal. Gary G sleep walked most of the match and boys made some poor decisions at crucial times. Talking of poor decision the first offside was crazy. I sat in lower Trinity 4 seats from front right in line with the linesperson and there is mo way she was right and that's a pity. Straight after she got loads of vile abuse mostly gender orientated however I thought she was very good.
How old is Jack Grealish? This boy has class sort of similar to Brian Little when he won the youth cup for us.
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Pauline, we've signed a two-year deal to play in this. So, yes, we are definitely in it next year and hopefully we will be able to extend the deal and keep playing in it. There is talk of expanding it to 24 clubs and inviting Real and Manure, amongst others, too.
Jolly good. You may well have told me some or all of this on Saturday but I got too cold to remember.
This could be our European away next season then.
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I think this competition is great and long may it continue and long may our involvement with it continue.
Very unlucky tonight. Really could and should have won. Couple of dodgy decisions and some rather annoying playacting.
A bit of niggle too.
Oh well, the experience will be invaluable for these kids.
Nice to see Graham and Grealish get some time at the end. Those are two of the most highly rated youngsters.
I'm still of the opinion that Williams is the only real class act in the defence in this age group. We have the keepers, midfielders and strikers, I think the youth scouting set up should go after some top quality defenders of tomorrow. I mean, of course they would anyway but concentrate on getting them.
Anyway, despite the disappointment and injustice of the result, I'm proud of how we've played in this tournament. Well done Villa.
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What I loved about tonight is that it goes to prove that we have the technical ability to live with some of the continental elite. Our passing and movement was superb, and on another night we'd have battered Marseille. They are a good team, and we got hit by two sucker punch goals having done almost all of the pressing throughout the evening.
Still, the young lads did us proud and it fills me with a lot of confidence that our academy is alive and well, and is still developing the future of our club.
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Great game. The best team lost. Our disallowed goal was definitely onside. Terrible decision by the assistant referee. Marseille players should be ashamed of their play-acting.
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V good performance only let down by bad finishing. Like the look of Carruthers and Johnson of course. Gutted how we lost that.
On the plus side was being felt up by a nice, excitable hot yankie bird for most of the game - was really looking forward to penalties!
Great fun standing with the Brigada firm.
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V good performance only let down by bad finishing. Like the look of Carruthers and Johnson of course. Gutted how we lost that.
On the plus side was being felt up by a nice, excitable hot yankie bird for most of the game - was really looking forward to penalties!
Great fun standing with the Brigada firm.
(http://images.wikia.com/muppet/images/f/f8/Big-bird-NEW.jpg)
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V good performance only let down by bad finishing. Like the look of Carruthers and Johnson of course. Gutted how we lost that.
On the plus side was being felt up by a nice, excitable hot yankie bird for most of the game - was really looking forward to penalties!
Great fun standing with the Brigada firm.
Gutted for the lads but excited by the future of he club.
She was hot!
Really enjoyed the section down there last night certainly paying for it voice wise this morning!
Should be a few pictures about later especially of the display for Janoi Donacien.
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Eh? Rude person.
Peter it was drenching it down and as you know front seats in Trinity are open to elements.
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Great game. The best team lost. Our disallowed goal was definitely onside. Terrible decision by the assistant referee. Marseille players should be ashamed of their play-acting.
On the offside goal: Although Drenan, the scorer I think, was onside, I'm sure Gardner was off, though. I think because the ball was played from Gardners side he was deemed to be interfering. It's one of those decisions that had it happened to the opposision we would have agreed with the decision.
I will say that I wasn't in line, but had a decent view, so I'll stand corrected if anyone had a better view
I thought the ref bottled it in extra time.
I would like to see a close up of Drenans challenge on their keeper, I was at the other end and it didn't look like he touched him
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The player who was coming back (Gardner?) was still being played onside by the defender wearing the gloves. The fella who actually took the pass must have been three yards onside. An atrocious decision.
I cant really moan about the ref, he let a lot of our more robust challenges go and he at least tried to hurry along the injury feigners.
Where was the usual keeper by the way? I dont wish to knock last nights lad but we really missed the assurance of the other fella.
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...
I agree with the other guy - what a dozy bitch. It was never offside. If it was a bloke, I'd call him a dozy c***. Either way, the fucked it up.
If a male lino is a c***, shouldn't a female one be a prick?
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V good performance only let down by bad finishing. Like the look of Carruthers and Johnson of course. Gutted how we lost that.
On the plus side was being felt up by a nice, excitable hot yankie bird for most of the game - was really looking forward to penalties!
Great fun standing with the Brigada firm.
I was standing right behind you Percy and yes she was hot. I'm surprised that you didn't complain to the stewards about being sexually harrased.
Apart from the result, an enjoyable game and on another night we would have been out of sight midway through the second half.
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I wasn't complaining, especially when she was shouting 'fuck me'. Ok, it was in that exasperated way we all say it when a chance goes astray, but I can dream.
I'm sure I had a chance with her, but my missus is hot too and I can't face another 18 years of maintenance.
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When the offside goal was allowed, Tony McAndrew looked towards the back of the stand and did a TV sign (as in Charades). The answer quickly came back from someone that it was definitely offside, at which point Kevin Mac got stuck into the fourth official.
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Just wondering on thoughts of which players can make the step up? Gazza Gardner obviously, Daniel Johnson, Samir Carruthers, Derrick Williams ,Jack Grealish and Jordan Graham have all got massive chances. Im in total agreement with Maz though we need to really try to get a higher standard of defenders coming through. One last thing if Benny Siegrist had been in goal we would have won.
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Is this gonna happen again next year?
And will we be invited again?
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Is this gonna happen again next year?
And will we be invited again?
we've signed a two-year deal to play in this. So, yes, we are definitely in it next year and hopefully we will be able to extend the deal and keep playing in it. There is talk of expanding it to 24 clubs and inviting Real and Manure, amongst others, too.
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Is this gonna happen again next year?
And will we be invited again?
Unless they open the whole ground, I'm not going.
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I'll only go if we draw a Kazakh team, the club play for free plane travel, and we only take 8,999 fans.
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if Benny Siegrist had been in goal we would have won.
I'm not going to suggest that Siegrist isn't very good, or that he's not better than Barrett because he is, and more mature. But his distribution aside Barrett made some stunning saves last night when Marseille caught us on the counter. The goalkeeper wasn't the reason why were were knocked out. We simply didn't convert the numerous clear cut chances we had to win the game outright. Before their opening goal, we were tearing Marseille open at will, and Graham Burke will have had nightmares last night recalling the chance he missed from 3 yards out having done all of the hard work. Gardner, Johnson, Carruthers all played their part in us not making more of their chances last night, so I think you are being harsh if you are suggesting the keeper was in any way responsible for our defeat.
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I thought it was Siegchrist... should've got there early enough to get a teamsheet!
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Siegrist is a lot taller.
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I thought it was Siegchrist... should've got there early enough to get a teamsheet!
You know that massive screen to your RHS with all the players listed on it..? Or were you glued to the assistant referee's assets?
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You may be right I just feel Siegrist gives the defence more confidence. Who impressed you?
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I thought it was Siegchrist... should've got there early enough to get a teamsheet!
You know that massive screen to your RHS with all the players listed on it..? Or were you glued to the assistant referee's assets?
Nah, he wasn't my type.
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if Benny Siegrist had been in goal we would have won.
I'm not going to suggest that Siegrist isn't very good, or that he's not better than Barrett because he is, and more mature. But his distribution aside Barrett made some stunning saves last night when Marseille caught us on the counter. The goalkeeper wasn't the reason why were were knocked out. We simply didn't convert the numerous clear cut chances we had to win the game outright. Before their opening goal, we were tearing Marseille open at will, and Graham Burke will have had nightmares last night recalling the chance he missed from 3 yards out having done all of the hard work. Gardner, Johnson, Carruthers all played their part in us not making more of their chances last night, so I think you are being harsh if you are suggesting the keeper was in any way responsible for our defeat.
Agree toronto,
We could have been 3 or 4 up before they come close to threatening us.
On another night we'd have strolled the game by 5 or 6 with the chances we created, It just wasn't our night.
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The keeper is the last person to blame. He made 2-3 excellent one on one saves and a brilliant tip onto the cross bar. Brilliant keeping IMO. Johnson who was my MOM was should of had at least 2. The reality is we created more but their keeper made less saves, just wastefull.
Anyway, well done lads and hope that the carry on to fruitful careers!
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I thought it was Siegchrist... should've got there early enough to get a teamsheet!
You know that massive screen to your RHS with all the players listed on it..? Or were you glued to the assistant referee's assets?
Does anyone have pics of the assistant referee of the female persuasion. Just so I know the person I should be abusing for the wrong disallowed goal obviously.
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I thought it was Siegchrist... should've got there early enough to get a teamsheet!
You know that massive screen to your RHS with all the players listed on it..? Or were you glued to the assistant referee's assets?
Does anyone have pics of the assistant referee of the female persuasion. Just so I know the person I should be abusing for the wrong disallowed goal obviously.
Yeah, right!
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I thought it was Siegchrist... should've got there early enough to get a teamsheet!
You know that massive screen to your RHS with all the players listed on it..? Or were you glued to the assistant referee's assets?
Does anyone have pics of the assistant referee of the female persuasion. Just so I know the person I should be abusing for the wrong disallowed goal obviously.
self abuse more like!
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I thought it was Siegchrist... should've got there early enough to get a teamsheet!
You know that massive screen to your RHS with all the players listed on it..? Or were you glued to the assistant referee's assets?
Does anyone have pics of the assistant referee of the female persuasion. Just so I know the person I should be abusing for the wrong disallowed goal obviously.
self abuse more like!
I'm tempted to click the links in the Think They Look Good thread.
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Im in total agreement with Maz though we need to really try to get a higher standard of defenders coming through.
Maybe it's like buses, we've had Cahill and Clark (fingers crossed) come passed now it's time for a few midfielders and attackers.
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Im in total agreement with Maz though we need to really try to get a higher standard of defenders coming through.
Maybe it's like buses, we've had Cahill and Clark (fingers crossed) come passed now it's time for a few midfielders and attackers.
Don't forget we also had Baker, Lowry and Lichaj come through the same age range as Clark. It was quite a strong defensive unit for the age range. I don't think Marseille would have won if we had those four playing.
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I agree that the keeper looked (understandably) nervy and that seemed to spread around the back line, it might have been the occasion, indeed probably was but better sides created far less chances against us in the group stages.
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I was at the game and I must say I was saddened for football to consider that the coaches of Marseille would teach those French kids to cheat like that.
I have never seen such play acting and downright cheating at that level before, but I suppose that's football today.
The better team lost, and well done to the Villa lads, they never stopped trying to play football in the right manner and their French counterparts should really be ashamed of themselves.
They're not though, of course.
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Whilst the team played really well and they look like they're used to passing the ball and moving around for it, it's at times like this I think, is AM really the right manager if we're looking to bring these players through?
Under GH I think they, and Villa, could/would've prospered.
Just hope Gardner and whoever else isn't spoilt as a player by playing in a first team that doesn't generally pass and move. The best thing would be if these players came through and changed the thinking of our first team.
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Although I can't disagree with Maz's opinion that Derrick Williams was the best of our defenders there is a good reason for this. Derrick is an U19 player who would normally be partnered by another U19 defender Daniel Devine but unfortunately Devine has not kicked a ball all season after sustaining a crusciate ligament injury.
The three lads who made up the back four were all playing U16 football last season and due to their outstanding ability have leapfrogged over older players like Nelson Addy, Brian, Donacien and Jenkins to claim a start, two years above their age group.
Anyone who follows junior football will know that Bradley Lewis, who played for England schools is considered one of the top prospects in the game. Lewis has been injured for most of the season, only making his comeback a few weeks ago and obviously needs to grow a bit. Josh Webb as a first year YTS is also a reserve regular and England U17 right back. Both of these lads are considered to have a very good chance of making the grade and two years age difference in youth football is massive and should not be overlooked
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Feel free to lock the topic if this has been posted all ready.
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Although I can't disagree with Maz's opinion that Derrick Williams was the best of our defenders there is a good reason for this. Derrick is an U19 player who would normally be partnered by another U19 defender Daniel Devine but unfortunately Devine has not kicked a ball all season after sustaining a crusciate ligament injury.
The three lads who made up the back four were all playing U16 football last season and due to their outstanding ability have leapfrogged over older players like Nelson Addy, Brian, Donacien and Jenkins to claim a start, two years above their age group.
Anyone who follows junior football will know that Bradley Lewis, who played for England schools is considered one of the top prospects in the game. Lewis has been injured for most of the season, only making his comeback a few weeks ago and obviously needs to grow a bit. Josh Webb as a first year YTS is also a reserve regular and England U17 right back. Both of these lads are considered to have a very good chance of making the grade and two years age difference in youth football is massive and should not be overlooked
Thanks for that, interesting and encouraging reading at the same time.
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Will Devine come back? How far do you think Lewis and Webb can go?
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Devine has looked good the few times I've seen him.
Thanks Larry for your usual informative post.
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Devine: inspiration
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Although I can't disagree with Maz's opinion that Derrick Williams was the best of our defenders there is a good reason for this. Derrick is an U19 player who would normally be partnered by another U19 defender Daniel Devine but unfortunately Devine has not kicked a ball all season after sustaining a crusciate ligament injury.
The three lads who made up the back four were all playing U16 football last season and due to their outstanding ability have leapfrogged over older players like Nelson Addy, Brian, Donacien and Jenkins to claim a start, two years above their age group.
Anyone who follows junior football will know that Bradley Lewis, who played for England schools is considered one of the top prospects in the game. Lewis has been injured for most of the season, only making his comeback a few weeks ago and obviously needs to grow a bit. Josh Webb as a first year YTS is also a reserve regular and England U17 right back. Both of these lads are considered to have a very good chance of making the grade and two years age difference in youth football is massive and should not be overlooked
Yeah that's fair enough. I didn't really mean to sound like I'm writing Webb and the likes off. Far from it. They're all good players, I just think we're heavy in midfield and forward quality at the moment. But injuries and other reasons have had an effect for sure.
Devine I'm still not sure of but could come good and plays well with Williams, Donacien looks very good but will he be allowed to stay in the UK? It's the only reason he's not playing at the moment. His form was very good.
Webb is class on his day. Need to see more of him and we will of course.
I'm including Bradley Lewis in a younger group to this Next Gen side but the reports on him are very encouraging. Likewise Oli Stevenson.
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The one player I'm quite interested in is Carruthers, considering we signed him from Arsenal we must consider him a good prospect, what do we think are his chances are of making the grade? Seemed to have an ability to beat the full back as well as look for a pass against Marseilles.
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The one player I'm quite interested in is Carruthers, considering we signed him from Arsenal we must consider him a good prospect, what do we think are his chances are of making the grade? Seemed to have an ability to beat the full back as well as look for a pass against Marseilles.
He's very tidy. Uses the ball well, has some skill and control. Quick feet but a bit small.
Reminds me a bit of Nasri come to think of it. He's got a very good chance.
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I thought Samir was our best player the other night but I really like Graham Burke who has had a fantastic season and has great natural ability.
Oliver Stevenson is a very good shout. He skippered last seasons outstanding U16s but has been injured all season. Malcolm Melvin and Charlie Ward are two of the younger midfield players who will be in the team next year.
Our problem at youth level is that we don't have a prolific goalscorer. I watched the youth team play at top of the league Coventry a couple of months ago and we created and missed chance after chance. Same at Brighton in the youth cup and it was the same story against Marseille.
I have to say that the four games in the next gen have been the most enjoyment I have had at Villa Park this season.
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Robinson, Drennan and Burke will do nicely whilst we find a youth striker or two.
Sometimes you just have to pinch one from somewhere.
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Although I can't disagree with Maz's opinion that Derrick Williams was the best of our defenders there is a good reason for this. Derrick is an U19 player who would normally be partnered by another U19 defender Daniel Devine but unfortunately Devine has not kicked a ball all season after sustaining a crusciate ligament injury.
The three lads who made up the back four were all playing U16 football last season and due to their outstanding ability have leapfrogged over older players like Nelson Addy, Brian, Donacien and Jenkins to claim a start, two years above their age group.
Anyone who follows junior football will know that Bradley Lewis, who played for England schools is considered one of the top prospects in the game. Lewis has been injured for most of the season, only making his comeback a few weeks ago and obviously needs to grow a bit. Josh Webb as a first year YTS is also a reserve regular and England U17 right back. Both of these lads are considered to have a very good chance of making the grade and two years age difference in youth football is massive and should not be overlooked
Yeah that's fair enough. I didn't really mean to sound like I'm writing Webb and the likes off. Far from it. They're all good players, I just think we're heavy in midfield and forward quality at the moment. But injuries and other reasons have had an effect for sure.
Devine I'm still not sure of but could come good and plays well with Williams, Donacien looks very good but will he be allowed to stay in the UK? It's the only reason he's not playing at the moment. His form was very good.
Webb is class on his day. Need to see more of him and we will of course.
I'm including Bradley Lewis in a younger group to this Next Gen side but the reports on him are very encouraging. Likewise Oli Stevenson.
Mazrim, do you think we have actively "looked" for midfielders and forward or that they've just come along i.e. a fluke. My point being if we can control it so specifically them why do we not just increase the spending and increase our chances all over the pitch?
Genuine question but from a position of ignorance.
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The one player I'm quite interested in is Carruthers, considering we signed him from Arsenal we must consider him a good prospect, what do we think are his chances are of making the grade? Seemed to have an ability to beat the full back as well as look for a pass against Marseilles.
He's very tidy. Uses the ball well, has some skill and control. Quick feet but a bit small.
Reminds me a bit of Nasri come to think of it. He's got a very good chance.
Did you see when he tried to walk it in, Gary Gardner enraged shook him like a rag doll.
Was pleasing to see over the two games I went to, we have 5 or 6 lads that could make the first team. Carruthers great skill and Daniel Johnson has some talent but he needs to stop whinging at officials. I liked the guy on the left wing Cameron, direct with good pace and put in some great crosses, Webb the central defender is another that impressed, as for Gary Gardner the sky is the limit - I think this is definitely the bright future we crave. Looking forward to this again next season.
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Cheers for that Gervilla first time I've seen it.
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Did you see when he tried to walk it in, Gary Gardner enraged shook him like a rag doll.
Perfect Captain material.
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The difference between making the step up from youth to the first team is in the head and not in the feet ..... We have seen many a prospect fail to make the next grade.
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Although I can't disagree with Maz's opinion that Derrick Williams was the best of our defenders there is a good reason for this. Derrick is an U19 player who would normally be partnered by another U19 defender Daniel Devine but unfortunately Devine has not kicked a ball all season after sustaining a crusciate ligament injury.
The three lads who made up the back four were all playing U16 football last season and due to their outstanding ability have leapfrogged over older players like Nelson Addy, Brian, Donacien and Jenkins to claim a start, two years above their age group.
Anyone who follows junior football will know that Bradley Lewis, who played for England schools is considered one of the top prospects in the game. Lewis has been injured for most of the season, only making his comeback a few weeks ago and obviously needs to grow a bit. Josh Webb as a first year YTS is also a reserve regular and England U17 right back. Both of these lads are considered to have a very good chance of making the grade and two years age difference in youth football is massive and should not be overlooked
Yeah that's fair enough. I didn't really mean to sound like I'm writing Webb and the likes off. Far from it. They're all good players, I just think we're heavy in midfield and forward quality at the moment. But injuries and other reasons have had an effect for sure.
Devine I'm still not sure of but could come good and plays well with Williams, Donacien looks very good but will he be allowed to stay in the UK? It's the only reason he's not playing at the moment. His form was very good.
Webb is class on his day. Need to see more of him and we will of course.
I'm including Bradley Lewis in a younger group to this Next Gen side but the reports on him are very encouraging. Likewise Oli Stevenson.
Mazrim, do you think we have actively "looked" for midfielders and forward or that they've just come along i.e. a fluke. My point being if we can control it so specifically them why do we not just increase the spending and increase our chances all over the pitch?
Genuine question but from a position of ignorance.
Hard to say specifically. I think from a scouts point of view you recommend the best players on show and if they tend to be midfielders or stikers then so be it.
But it's not like we have no quality defenders at youth level.
Baker could make it although my guess is it wont be at Villa. Williams I'm very impressed with and I think he will make it at Villa. Webb's future is at full back. Devine is another like Baker who will do well but I'm not sure if it will be at Villa and I'm guessing not.
Larry Duff made some good points (I must call him on his mobile) about missing a few this season at the U19/U18 level. I think the Donacien situation is disgraceful too. I wonder if it would have happened if the player was at Chelsea or Arsenal. So my comment about lacking quality defenders was perhaps poorly phrased. What I meant was we have stronger suits elsewhere or rather the defensive suit is our weakest taking into account we dont know how Devine will recover or whether Donacien will ever play for us again.
Is Clark a centre half? Yes but he may forge a career in midfield as he's versatile. I actually expect this to happen now.
So the next centre half cab off the rank is Williams (assuming Baker wont make it here) and he's still very young. With the question marks hanging over some of the others and there not really being any quality centre halfs until the potentially top class ones we have at u17 level come through, I'd be happier if we sought out one or two in the U19 age group.
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You don't rate Baker then Maz?
Only seen glimpses of him, but i think he looks quite reasonable.Seems to have a bit of pace, and not bad in the air.Needs to get stonger imho, and then i think he coulsd be a very good partner for Clark.
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I do rate him but my gut feeling is that he wont be a regular first teamer for us, no. I felt the same way about Lowry. Although if he doesn't make it here he will still do alright.
I could be wrong. It's by no means a certainty in my opinion. Sometimes players just "get it" all of a sudden. They hit a magic age or place and it all slots in.
He's not as promising as Derrick Williams in my opinion and I would say Clark is destined to play in midfield now although he could just as easily play centre half.
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Maz/Larry so which positions are Stevenson Lewis and Webb best in? Also is Williams best at centre back? Is Siegrist best keeper coming through? Thanks in advance!
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Email to season ticket holders from AVFC
Dear Pauline
First of all I would like to thank those of you who came out in force to cheer on the U19 team in the NextGen Series quarter-final against Marseille. The atmosphere created by the 3,500 supporters at Villa Park made the occasion feel even greater for our young players. We are extremely proud of the way the team performed, although we are disappointed not to be progressing to a semi-final against Inter Milan. We created a host of chances but were unable to take them on the night and we were unfortunate to lose 2-1 in extra-time. Nevertheless, the tournament has been a fantastic experience for the players and staff and we look forward to it next year. Just two of this year’s squad – Gary Gardner and Benjamin Siegrist – will be too old to compete in the 2012-13 NextGen Series so most of our players will go into next year’s competition having already gained experience of facing top European opposition. Five members of our NextGen squad – Gary Gardner, Derrick Williams, Daniel Johnson, Samir Carruthers and Graham Burke – now have first team squad numbers, proving that the Aston Villa production line is still rolling.
The NextGen Series has been a real eye-opener in terms of learning about the styles and philosophies of foreign teams and players. Sometimes there is a feeling of trepidation among young English players about facing their counterparts from the continent because it is often drummed into us that the French, German or Spanish youth development models are superior to ours. But people are starting to appreciate how good our system is. I think we are among the best in Europe and the results are there to prove that. It is something that we have to get into the mindsets of players.
The U18 team are currently going through a purple patch in the Barclays Premier Academy League, making an unbeaten start to 2012. Three highly-rated members of that squad also shone on the international stage this week by helping England U17s clinch the Algarve Tournament title. Striker Callum Robinson, winger Jordan Graham and defender Joshua Webb all featured prominently in the four-team tournament, which pitted England against Holland, France and hosts Portugal. It was extremely pleasing to see Callum score the goal that clinched the title in Monday’s decisive clash against France. After winning 2-1 against Portugal in the first match, England drew 2-2 with Holland before being confirmed as champions by beating France 2-1. The reports we have received on Callum, Jordan and Joshua have been very positive. From a development point of view it is great experience for them to go and represent their country in an overseas tournament, while it offers some of our even younger players the opportunity to step up to the U18 squad in their absence. Having so many internationals in the ranks is also a boost for the academy. In addition to the three England boys, winger Jack Grealish and defender Brad Lewis are currently away in Portugal with Republic of Ireland U17s.
As you may have read in the national press, the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) has been approved by the shareholders of the Premier League and will come into effect on July 1. It means academies across the country will be graded into four categories and we hope to achieve elite status by obtaining a Category 1 license.
Finally, I am pleased to confirm that we have been invited back to the Hong Kong International Soccer 7s in May. It will be the 11th time that Aston Villa have taken part in the tournament and we have lifted the trophy on five occasions. We originally started going across to the Far East for the experience of playing in humidity and heat. It is a well-organised tournament and the likes of Gabby Agbonlahor, Nathan Delfouneso, Barry Bannan and Marc Albrighton are among those to have represented Villa at previous Soccer 7s competitions. Our U19 squad will fly out on May 15 with the tournament taking place on the weekend of May 19 and 20.
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Maz/Larry so which positions are Stevenson Lewis and Webb best in? Also is Williams best at centre back? Is Siegrist best keeper coming through? Thanks in advance!
Sorry for the late reply mate.
Webb is versatile but his future is definitely at full back I think.
From what I've seen Stevenson could play anywhere across the back or defensive midfield but Lewis is a centre half. Williams is definitely best at centre half.
Siegrist is outstanding and yes, the best keeper we have coming through and possibly the best keeper of his age group anybody has coming through.
That said Barrett is making great strides in Siegrist's absence.
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Thanks for the reply.
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Email to season ticket holders from AVFC
Dear Pauline
First of all I would like to thank those of you who came out in force to cheer on the U19 team .... squad will fly out on May 15 with the tournament taking place on the weekend of May 19 and 20.
Brilliant letter, Pauline. Who signed it - Bryan Jones or someone else?
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I love our youth team and always thought we would get trounced by Ajax. Seeing us destroy Ajax is fantastic made me think they were perhaps a bit of a poor patch of Ajax players, but Ajax managed to beat Barca 3-0. Even though anybody can beat anybody on their day it speaks really highly of our guys to beat a world class youth system like the Ajax lads. Hope we did enough to allow us to stay in next year.
Lads I think will make it at Villa:
Gardner, Grealish, Graham, Siegrist, Clark, Crowley
all look like they could be fantastic 'top top' players. If they can meet their potential.. but it seems like we've been saying this about our youth graduates for years. But even still these 6 are (or have been) all tipped to be great players. If they all made it, it would be fucking superb. Especially the four midfielders. Garnder has been linked to Madrid and Inter in the past. I know Arsenal fans have called Grealish one of the best academy players in the country and, him being a Utd fan, it wouldnt surprise me if Man U came in for Graham if he isnt tied down.
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Well done to whoever sent that letter out. We have every reason to be proud of what we do and what we achieve at junior levels.
My guess is that Guzan will leave to find first team football at the end of his contract. I don't know what Marshall will do - anyone any thoughts as to whether Siegrist is good enough yet to be considered as Given's deputy?
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Doubt it, he's been out injured for the reserves hasnt he? think he'd need to go on loan and do well in the Championship before he could become deputy. Purely because i think, with Shay, our number 2 will have a fair bit of match time over the coming years. Guzan probably earnt the teams trust with some great performances, mainly Sunderland in the Cup.. not sure it would be the same with Siegrist but then again, until you give the lad a chance he can't earn their trust.
Still think a loan would do him good when he's ready
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Grealish is doing well at international level. 4 goals in 5 games for the Irish under 17s.
http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/kfidmhmhqlgb/rss2/
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Would be good to have a sticky thread where we can discuss the reserve and youth team(s) and players.
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Would be good to have a sticky thread where we can discuss the reserve and youth team(s) and players.
Good call.
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Email to season ticket holders from AVFC
Dear Pauline
First of all I would like to thank those of you who came out in force to cheer on the U19 team .... squad will fly out on May 15 with the tournament taking place on the weekend of May 19 and 20.
Brilliant letter, Pauline. Who signed it - Bryan Jones or someone else?
It was indeed Bryan jones. Thought that was in my copy but obviously it wasn't.
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Email to season ticket holders from AVFC
Dear Pauline
First of all I would like to thank those of you who came out in force to cheer on the U19 team in the NextGen Series quarter-final against Marseille. The atmosphere created by the 3,500 supporters at Villa Park made the occasion feel even greater for our young players. We are extremely proud of the way the team performed, although we are disappointed not to be progressing to a semi-final against Inter Milan. We created a host of chances but were unable to take them on the night and we were unfortunate to lose 2-1 in extra-time. Nevertheless, the tournament has been a fantastic experience for the players and staff and we look forward to it next year. Just two of this year’s squad – Gary Gardner and Benjamin Siegrist – will be too old to compete in the 2012-13 NextGen Series so most of our players will go into next year’s competition having already gained experience of facing top European opposition. Five members of our NextGen squad – Gary Gardner, Derrick Williams, Daniel Johnson, Samir Carruthers and Graham Burke – now have first team squad numbers, proving that the Aston Villa production line is still rolling.
The NextGen Series has been a real eye-opener in terms of learning about the styles and philosophies of foreign teams and players. Sometimes there is a feeling of trepidation among young English players about facing their counterparts from the continent because it is often drummed into us that the French, German or Spanish youth development models are superior to ours. But people are starting to appreciate how good our system is. I think we are among the best in Europe and the results are there to prove that. It is something that we have to get into the mindsets of players.
The U18 team are currently going through a purple patch in the Barclays Premier Academy League, making an unbeaten start to 2012. Three highly-rated members of that squad also shone on the international stage this week by helping England U17s clinch the Algarve Tournament title. Striker Callum Robinson, winger Jordan Graham and defender Joshua Webb all featured prominently in the four-team tournament, which pitted England against Holland, France and hosts Portugal. It was extremely pleasing to see Callum score the goal that clinched the title in Monday’s decisive clash against France. After winning 2-1 against Portugal in the first match, England drew 2-2 with Holland before being confirmed as champions by beating France 2-1. The reports we have received on Callum, Jordan and Joshua have been very positive. From a development point of view it is great experience for them to go and represent their country in an overseas tournament, while it offers some of our even younger players the opportunity to step up to the U18 squad in their absence. Having so many internationals in the ranks is also a boost for the academy. In addition to the three England boys, winger Jack Grealish and defender Brad Lewis are currently away in Portugal with Republic of Ireland U17s.
As you may have read in the national press, the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) has been approved by the shareholders of the Premier League and will come into effect on July 1. It means academies across the country will be graded into four categories and we hope to achieve elite status by obtaining a Category 1 license.
Finally, I am pleased to confirm that we have been invited back to the Hong Kong International Soccer 7s in May. It will be the 11th time that Aston Villa have taken part in the tournament and we have lifted the trophy on five occasions. We originally started going across to the Far East for the experience of playing in humidity and heat. It is a well-organised tournament and the likes of Gabby Agbonlahor, Nathan Delfouneso, Barry Bannan and Marc Albrighton are among those to have represented Villa at previous Soccer 7s competitions. Our U19 squad will fly out on May 15 with the tournament taking place on the weekend of May 19 and 20.
It's good to see that youth football is being organised at each age level to be a platform to produce footballers of the future.
There was a time when past schoolboy level there was only youth team, reserves and 1st team. With only one substitute, the reserves were generally full of out of favour players (with performances that were an embarrasment at times), players coming back from injury and a few bright youngsters.
The academy system seems to be finally kicking in. Hopefully, this will see more British players coming through to replace the foreign mercenaries that seem to come and go in common regularity. I firmly believe this is turning supporters away from the game, almost as much as high prices.
As a big club, we are able to support a large academy and we have the facilities and the coaches to attract the best. We now have to find the way to make the transition to 1st team squad seemless. At the present it is a massive stepped change and this is why we see so many young players not being able to make the grade. As a club, we owe it to the young players to support them if they do not make the grade here as some of them will have given up so much from their early teens to try and make it with us.
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Ta for posting Pauline, great read that.
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The development of the youngsters is the thing that is keeping me going at the moment and I'm glad to see the club communicating in this way. On a similar-ish theme, I stumbled across this article on The Guardian the other day (it's a few months old), which points to the way Villa are trying to do things:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2011/oct/11/aston-villa-30-mile-rule
If it all comes together and we produce a top class side of our own players then it would be beyond fantastic.
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I caught something in passing the other day that Liverpool, although beaten by Spurs in the QF were through to the semis because of something Spurs did illegally.
Anyone know what it is?
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The BBC have done a short article on the competition. No mention of us, but it's good that the tournament is getting recognition as we're in it next year too, so it might help us poach a few more promising youngsters.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17321840
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Result of Semi:
Liverpool (who jammed their way to the semi by default) 0
Ajax 6
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I love our youth team and always thought we would get trounced by Ajax. Seeing us destroy Ajax is fantastic made me think they were perhaps a bit of a poor patch of Ajax players, but Ajax managed to beat Barca 3-0. Even though anybody can beat anybody on their day it speaks really highly of our guys to beat a world class youth system like the Ajax lads. Hope we did enough to allow us to stay in next year.
Lads I think will make it at Villa:
Gardner, Grealish, Graham, Siegrist, Clark, Crowley
all look like they could be fantastic 'top top' players. If they can meet their potential.. but it seems like we've been saying this about our youth graduates for years. But even still these 6 are (or have been) all tipped to be great players. If they all made it, it would be fucking superb. Especially the four midfielders. Garnder has been linked to Madrid and Inter in the past. I know Arsenal fans have called Grealish one of the best academy players in the country and, him being a Utd fan, it wouldnt surprise me if Man U came in for Graham if he isnt tied down.
There's a lot of inferiority complex in this Shoody.
Maybe, just maybe, we have a world class youth system? Such things are achievable and Aston Villa are just as capable as any other club on the planet of producing top, top youngsters.
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So we beat Ajax and they went on and beat Barca and Liverpool (6-0).
Now I know football does not work like that but there must be positive signs there.
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Result of Semi:
Liverpool (who jammed their way to the semi by default) 0
Ajax 6
;D
Get in there Ajax!
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Arsenal and Chelsea are in it next season.Is it being extended or are teams dropping out?
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Arsenal and Chelsea are in it next season.Is it being extended or are teams dropping out?
Extended. Well the quote I read said Arsenal and Chelsea are being "added" to last years entrants.
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Arsenal and Chelsea are in it next season.Is it being extended or are teams dropping out?
Extended. Well the quote I read said Arsenal and Chelsea are being "added" to last years entrants.
According to several people working at the club, they are making cuts around the ground so I wouldn't surprise me if we pulled out. After all it costs a lot to send the kids to several matches around Europe without any real payback. (In monetary ways, the experience could be priceless.)
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I very much doubt it.
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I doubt it too, the club have said that youth is one of their priorities and the costs are small beer compared to first team players wages/transfer fees. PSG and Olympiakos are also joining in next year, they're expanding from 16 to 24 clubs.
NextGen (http://www.nextgenseries.com/en/News/Comments-and-Features/2012/April/ARSENAL-BECOME-FOURTH-NEW-TEAM)
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I'm not saying we are pulling out, just that it wouldn't surprise me if we did due to austerity cuts around the club.
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Were not pulling out. Cuts are just being practical.