Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: GordonCowansisthegreatest on April 17, 2013, 10:43:06 AM
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Gary Gardner could stake a claim for a bit-part role in Villa's end-of-season survival crusade after returning to full first-team training. Gardner joined in with the rest of Paul Lambert's senior squad yesterday for the first time since his cruciate ligament operation eight months ago, having resumed light exercises last month.
Things are looking up.
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It's too much too soon for him to be thrown into a relegation scrap. I'd keep him out of the firing line until if and when we're safe.
Great news, though!
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Just a couple of 15 minute cameo's and a 25 yard blockbuster to win against Sunderland will do;-)
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Good news on Gary and good luck.
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I really hope he lives up to the hype i really do
Did any one at the time think Andy Weinmann would come so good? I dont remember a lot being said about him
Yet others like Carruthers et al have not progressed anywhere near the expectation put on them
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Did any one at the time think Andy Weinmann would come so good? I dont remember a lot being said about him
did really well on loan at watford.
he has improved a lot and obviously has an affection for our club. just hope the club do right by him (and our other young talent) and don't piss about scrimping on contracts after all the investment they've made in him over the years. he would cost more to replace.
pleased to see gardner back as well, he can get a full pre-season under his belt and hopefully kick-on next season.
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They're all still young and still have time to develop and yes I always thought that Andi had something special in front of goal, plus a tremendous work ethic.
GG could be the Tayls we've been waiting for, midfield drive coupled with some goals.
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Home against Sunderland last minute bosh with Andi firing in from a parry would have a nice symmetry to it from last year!
Although Weimann is probably the one I would take out at Old Trafford and keep NZogbia in. I think he has looked a bit off his level last couple of games.
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I think we'll need more graft against Manu than Nzog can offer, maybe Holmans chance to shine?
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I think we'll need more graft against Manu than Nzog can offer, maybe Holmans chance to shine?
Good shout. Andi is also a bit of a work horse, so I'd be playing him as well.
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I think we'll need more graft against Manu than Nzog can offer, maybe Holmans chance to shine?
For all his grafting he is quite useless at actually winning the ball and loses his man too easy.Last time he started was Wigan IIRC and he was useless.
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I think we'll need more graft against Manu than Nzog can offer, maybe Holmans chance to shine?
For all his grafting he is quite useless at actually winning the ball and loses his man too easy.Last time he started was Wigan IIRC and he was useless.
They were all useless against Wigan.
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As I said, this maybe his chance to shine!
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Still hold high hopes that GG can develop into the top class box-to-box midfielder we have been missing. I agree that he shouldn't be rushed back this season, especially as we have other options in central midfield.
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Great news.
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Did any one at the time think Andy Weinmann would come so good? I dont remember a lot being said about him
I remember that quite a few people who attend the Reserve games used to tell me that they rated Weimann more then the Fonz. That was about 3/4 years ago when the Fonz was considered the next big thing by most Villans.
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Weimann, not Weinmann. Gardner, not Gardener.
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I think Weimann would have come through earlier were it not for his injury after he scored against his old club.
He really served notice with a hat-trick for the reserves against Newcastle. Soon after that he got the Fulham goal and he hasn't really looked back since.
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This is good news. We have had far too many of these long term injuries. You start forgetting who we have on the books. Gary needs a good pre-season to get his confidence back. Just the type of player we need but I think he will need plenty of time.
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This is good news. We have had far too many of these long term injuries. You start forgetting who we have on the books. Gary needs a good pre-season to get his confidence back. Just the type of player we need but I think he will need plenty of time.
As always bang on the money Jon.
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A CM able to score some goals would help us no end..hopefully he can come back and fulfill is potential
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Our midfield for next season, presuming we stay up, has a lot of question marks over it. We actually have a quite a few players for what will probably be 3 spots, but nobody is standing out as the 'general' in there, meaning we need to buy a midfielder.
Will we be able to offload Ireland?
Can KEA come good?
Has Lambert given up on Bannan?
Will Delph continue the recent good form?
How will Sylla develop?
Given all that, I do wonder if we might be better letting Gardner have his pre-season with the side and then getting him out on loan for some guaranteed game time?
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I hope Gardner can be the attacking threat that that we've missed from the middle of the park.
I wouldn't give him any game time this season. Get him training hard and set for a good pre-season.
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Delph, Westwood and Gardner with Gabby, Benteke and Weimann is the logical selection. With Ireland, Bannan and Albrighton moving on with a central attacking midfielder and a wide attacker also coming in. Maybe Scott Sinclair and the Murphy lad from Crewe. Steady buying. But I would want to give Gardner every opportunity under Lambert having seen the improvement of Delph, Weimann, Gabby, Baker etc over the season.
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It would be nice to buy someone proven and quality for CM in the summer. We have enough assorted prospects and mediocre shite. That said I'm kind of expecting the likes of Bannan, Holman and KEA to be still here. And we'll probably add that Liam "Birdcunt" (where is Mark Fletcher?) from Brighton or something.
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We have too many players with question marks over them. We need some ruthless decision making as to which to keep and which to move on. Then we need to replace them with quality players to make sure we're not in this position again any time soon and to ensure that there's strength in depth and not just a decent first eleven with a load of crap after that.
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It would be nice to buy someone proven and quality for CM in the summer. We have enough assorted prospects and mediocre shite. That said I'm kind of expecting the likes of Bannan, Holman and KEA to be still here. And we'll probably add that Liam "Birdcunt" (where is Mark Fletcher?) from Brighton or something.
I've got no problem with KEA and Holman staying as squad players. Bannan, Ireland and Albrighton can go.
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Some of the players that we want to move on should be wrapped in cotton wool until the transfer window.
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A CM able to score some goals would help us no end..
Indeed. Daniel Johnson seems like another one who has some goals in him. Wouldn't mind seeing him given a chance next season too.
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From the little that I've seen of him, it's Carruthers I'm looking forward to seeing - in the playmaker role between midfield and forwards.
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Donacein is one who i think might make a decent centre half if he sticks with it.
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Lets not pile the pressure on a fella that has two major injuries inside two years - rehab and recuperation over the summer and a gentle introduction into the squad if he is up to it.
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All these players touted as the next generation will be better served going out on loan and playing regular football than getting 15 games as sub/league cup matches. Especially when we have a bit of a back log of midfielders clogging their route to the first team.
I´d sign one midfield general and a first team winger and slot in Westwood, Sylla, Delph, KEA, Weimann and Gabby around them. Bannan, Ireland, Bent and Albrighton can be sold. Gardner and any of the other youngsters sent off on loan to a footballing side in the lower divisions.
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With Kevin Mac at Swindon surely there is a good opportunity to loan some of the younger ones knowing the style of football they will be asked to play.
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With Kevin Mac at Swindon surely there is a good opportunity to loan some of the younger ones knowing the style of football they will be asked to play.
That's a good shout.
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I've got high hopes for Gardner and Westwood in the middle....
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Unlike a few on here I'd be trying to get Gardner onto the bench and hopefully a few minutes here and there in the last 5 games.
I said somewhere before I want him determined to make the most of it next year and force his way into the side, a bit of time in the match day squad this season after such a long lay off is a clear indication to him that we want him to step up and be involved and could be the catalyst to him putting in 5-10% more in pre-season. What we don't have in the middle of the park is anyone willing and able to force the keeper into action from 25yards. It makes us very predictable. Gardner, Like his brother, has a rocket of a shot from distance and I really want to see him him get a run of games to show it off.
I don't think loaning him out is a good idea unless there's no chance he's going to be near the team next year. For some players a loan spell is important but for others you just need to back them to deliver, he had his short spell at Coventry and looked good, and he's looked top drawer for the England U21s and our own youth teams at all levels.
I think he'll be on the bench for the last 2-3 games and I think it's the right decision.
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If, big if, he's ready and fit enough to be involved, I'd have him in. He's a talented lad, and having him available on the bench may lead to our safety.
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I've got high hopes for Gardner and Westwood in the middle....
In my dreamworld this becomes a world class partnership. My dreams rarely come true but still....
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From the O/S
Gary Gardner spoke of his delight at returning to action for Villa's U21 side, declaring: "I'm back and feeling strong."
Gardner made a surprise comeback in the Barclays U21 Premier League defeat at Fulham - eight months after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The 20-year-old got 45 minutes under his belt at Motspur Park and went close with a couple of long-range efforts before being replaced at half-time by Jordan Lyden.
It was his first appearance in a Villa shirt since the U21 clash against Stoke at Bodymoor Heath on August 22.
"It has been a long time, eight months, but I'm back now feeling strong and ready to kick on so hopefully everything will be all right," said Gardner.
"I don't think you lose it. If I see a sight at goal I'll shoot. It's just a case of getting my match fitnessback.
"I'm happy to be back and hopefully I can push on now.
"Once it is healed you are stronger than before so it is just about getting your match fitness up and playing games again."
Gardner has vowed to take his comeback one step at a time after admitting it was a bonus to return to action before the end of the current campaign.
The final U21 league fixture against Everton at Bodymoor Heath in eight days time is his next target.
"It is ahead of schedule and I'll listen to the staff here," he added.
"They have been brilliant with me throughout my rehab and if they say play half a game, I'll play half a game.
"I'm eager to play more but I've got to be sensible and listen to them.
"I could have left it until next season but the type of lad I am, I wanted to be back playing as soon as possible and I'm happy that I've come back before the end of the season.
"I'll train all week and hopefully play next week - maybe for a bit longer than today. I'll take it step by step and hopefully I'll be ok."
Gardner thanked manager Paul Lambert for helping him remain upbeat throughout his long stint on the sidelines.
"I spoke to him in training and he said take it easy and don't rush eight months into one game," he added.
"He has been brilliant all the way through. He just said keep your head up and you will be back.
"Time has flown and now I'm back training with the squad and it has been brilliant."
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GoodO Gary, here's hoping you make a first team shirt your own.
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I could have left it until next season but the type of lad I am, I wanted to be back playing as soon as possible and I'm happy that I've come back before the end of the season.
That line is why I'd like to see him involved in the first team squad this season, we need to feed that hunger, get him really chomping at the bit for next year.
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A bit like Suarez, then?
(gets coat and runs off)
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I do hope this lad makes it and having had more than his fair share of injuries now remains injury free for the rest of his career.
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He's playing for the reserves at the moment. Good luck Gary
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Back in the squad tomorrow, which is great news.
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Great news.
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Back in the squad tomorrow, which is great news.
Nice option to have on the bench .
Gary has just tweeted on arriving in Norwich and I'm chuffed to bits for him-delighted.
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Back in the squad tomorrow, which is great news.
That's a really nice touch from Lambert, to include him. It hopefully means that this new management team also rate the boy ...
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Great news. Almost like our first signing of the Summer!
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I remember all the Albrighton hype a few years ago - look what happened there.. I wonder if Gary Gardner will achieve more?...
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I remember all the Albrighton hype a few years ago - look what happened there.. I wonder if Gary Gardner will achieve more?...
We watched the 1,000 goals cd the other day and Mark was on fire for a while wasn't he - great shame
GG is a different type of player though and I would love him to come good (would love it for Mark A as well)
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I hope he gets on for a few minutes, once we are comfortable!
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Back in the squad tomorrow, which is great news.
Delighted for the kid - and the team!
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I remember all the Albrighton hype a few years ago - look what happened there.. I wonder if Gary Gardner will achieve more?...
I remember all the Albrighton hype a few years ago - look what happened there.. I wonder if Gary Gardner will achieve more?...
Albrighton has been injured for ages. A good run in the team and he'll be back firing again - I'm not ready to write him off just yet.
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Not sure on that, he's been poor the limited times he's played this season.
Looks like his form when he broke into the team in 2010 was just beginners luck (he reminds me of McClean at Sunderland) although he showed flashes of good form around xmas 2011.
Good to have GG back in the fold, I think we'll see him at Wigan if it's a dead game for us.
Two ligament injuries by 20 is rough luck though, worry if that will take a bit off his game.
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Albrighton has been injured for ages. A good run in the team and he'll be back firing again - I'm not ready to write him off just yet.
Word
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Gardner in the squad is brilliant news.
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Albrighton has showed enough before, those crosses into the corridor of uncertainty, his late runs to the back stick to nick a goal, to suggest he can still make it. I'm not going to write him off yet either. He was better under McLeish than most give him credit for. I'd rather we persevered with him than Bannan. Who I presume will make way for Gardner on the bench tomorrow.
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I've never really seen what Gardner is capable of to be honest.
Hopefully he can live up to the hype. If he's as promising as is being made out, I don't think I'd risk him in any of the remaining games, other than as an 85th minute sub to have a bit of time on the pitch. That would be reward enough for doing all the hard yards getting over the injury.
Just look forward to a full pre-season and next season.
Why potentially upset the newly created balance of the side and him possibly breaking down again?
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Great news. Let's just hope he stays injury free and shows us just how good we all think he is.
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Back in the squad tomorrow, which is great news.
What happened to GG being back in the squad today?
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Presumably travelled with the squad as back up in case of any last minute withdrawals. At least it shows that PL is thinking about him and also gives him encouragement to continue his fitness regime and not get downhearted.
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Just found this on MOMS
By Shelley Osbourne
We’ve been describing Gary Gardner as the second coming for Aston Villa since we started this website. He’s been in need of a resurrection or two, with serious injuries, but is next season the beginning of something beautiful? Shelly looks at Gardner Jr’s attributes and why he could be key to Villa’s future.
As Paul Lambert’s young Lions top up their tans on the beach or hit the strip in Las Vegas, Bodymoor Heath with be the last thing on their minds. Niggling knocks, frayed nerves and heavy legs will be soothed as the youngsters kick back and enjoy the summer sun (and no doubt allow themselves the odd mojito or two). Already on social media sites, holiday photographs of players wearing shocking pink shorts, red faces and over-size hip hop caps are appearing in numbers, and no Villa fan will surely begrudge Paul Lambert’s men a well-earned summer rest.
One player who will be itching to get back on the training pitch in contrast to his team mates however is, Gary Gardner. The 20-year-old central midfielder has been starved of football in the past few seasons due to two cruel knee injuries.
Gardner is often compared to his hero, Steven Gerrard, as he is an English ‘box-to-box‘ midfielder. These players are less common in countries like Italy and Spain where coaches seem to prefer more fashionable midfield systems which include players assigned to specific roles. However, one very successful modern coach who always looks to have a traditional English box to box midfielder in his team is Jose Mourinho. Jose said whilst Real Madrid boss,
“In football we have attacking midfielders and we have defensive midfielders but there are very few what they call in England box-to-box midfielders. It is very difficult to find the complete midfielder who is defensively strong and who can also attack and arrive in the box and score goals.”
Step forward – Gary Gardner. The Solihull youngster is the complete package as a midfielder and it is hoped by fans that he will become an important player in Paul Lambert’s exciting project. Lambert himself will be delighted to find in Gardner a young player who is committed to his boyhood club and eager to make a career for himself at Villa Park.
Gardner is an athletic 6ft 2 boy who, like his older brother Craig, has an impressive work rate and stamina which sets him apart from other players. Some fans may remember that Gardner featured in central midfield alongside Jean Makoun and Barry Bannan against Chelsea in a preseason game a couple of seasons ago where he controlled the game, made tackles, linked moves together, and snapped at the heels of Chelsea’s expensive super stars. It was a performance that instantly made an impression.
Gardner has a similar skill set to Wigan’s James McCarthy in that he reasonably strong in the tackle, has an impressive passing range and can drive from midfield and score goals like Gerrard or Frank Lampard. Gardner is not just a player who ploughs the furrows of centre midfield however as he possesses a good technique, can dribble well, scores headed goals and has even scored a high quality free kick for England under 21′s against Iceland in late 2011.
The confidence of young Gardner was evident as he took the ball from a hovering Jordan Henderson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, placed the ball down and curled a free kick expertly into the top corner of the net. Gardner scored again with a trademark goal as he arrived late in the box and hit a low strike powerfully home. There are in fact few better sights than watching Gardner arriving unmarked on the edge of the area, getting into position and unleashing one of his quality strikes on goal.
Aston Villa’s 2012 / 2013 Next Gen Series winners will be basking in the glory of this season’s memorable victory, but Villa fans will also remember that it was Gardner who became the competitions top scorer last season with a 6 goals from central midfield. Gardner was without doubt one of the players of the season in the inaugural Next Gen Series campaign and Aston Villa were very unlucky to be knocked out of the competition in a controversial quarter final against Marseille.
Villa fans will no doubt now be anxious to see what role Gardner plays for the club next season now that he is fit.
- See more at: http://www.myoldmansaid.com/comeback-kid-aston-villas-important-gary-gardner/#sthash.D5sXuQia.dpuf
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It would cetainly be a brillaint to see GG putting Westwood under serious pressure for a place next season.
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I see Westy and KEA as being the continuity player in our midfield. For me, it seems Gary, Delph and Bacuna are the more box-to-box all action types.
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What is this MOM thing? I've seen a few mentions of it recently.
Gardner needs matches at this stage of his career. I'd send him on loan, possibly for the whole season, maybe even as a sweetener for a Cresswell type signing.
He'd come back a better player and it'd allow us to continue to introduce other players/see whether sylla/KEA are good enough.
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Westwood and Gardner would play together I imagine. I really hope Gary has a great season and his injuries are behind him.
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MOMS - My Old Man Says.
See link at the bottom of the article.
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What is this MOM thing? I've seen a few mentions of it recently.
Gardner needs matches at this stage of his career. I'd send him on loan, possibly for the whole season, maybe even as a sweetener for a Cresswell type signing.
He'd come back a better player and it'd allow us to continue to introduce other players/see whether sylla/KEA are good enough.
I think it stands for "what the fucks all this text speak!" LOL.
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What is this MOM thing? I've seen a few mentions of it recently.
Gardner needs matches at this stage of his career. I'd send him on loan, possibly for the whole season, maybe even as a sweetener for a Cresswell type signing.
He'd come back a better player and it'd allow us to continue to introduce other players/see whether sylla/KEA are good enough.
MOMS speaks for all of us. And in no way seeks self publicity.
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MOMS is probably one of the best Villa sites on the web now. Quality informative articles and they are pretty, dare I say it, ITK these days too.
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MOMS is probably one of the best Villa sites on the web now. Quality informative articles and they are pretty, dare I say it, ITK these days too.
Is it more absorbent than the leading brand?
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The strangest thing happened today at my school. I was wandering around the Year Two class, reading some of their stories and generally having a chat, when one of the boys (who is no Villa fan) piped up "Aston Villa won't be rubbish next year, they've got two really good players". Glossing over the first of his assertions, I asked him he thought our best players were. I assumed he'd say Benteke and, oh I don't know, Agbonlahor or something. To my surprise he answered "Benteke and Gary Gardner".
I don't know if Gardner has featured in Shoot magazine or something, but I still found it quite a surprise anyway. And I've promptly put his name on one of the end of year awards.
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MOMS is probably one of the best Villa sites on the web now. Quality informative articles and they are pretty, dare I say it, ITK these days too.
So ITK that they reckoned 2 players were coming in this week. One of them was Jed Steer.
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Jed Steer could still happen.
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The strangest thing happened today at my school. I was wandering around the Year Two class, reading some of their stories and generally having a chat, when one of the boys (who is no Villa fan) piped up "Aston Villa won't be rubbish next year, they've got two really good players". Glossing over the first of his assertions, I asked him he thought our best players were. I assumed he'd say Benteke and, oh I don't know, Agbonlahor or something. To my surprise he answered "Benteke and Gary Gardner".
I don't know if Gardner has featured in Shoot magazine or something, but I still found it quite a surprise anyway. And I've promptly put his name on one of the end of year awards.
Rightly so ha ha!