I want to see James Rodriquez, Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben
I want to see disappearing foam, drinks breaks (warmest day of the year) and most of all very good looking scantily clad buxom ladies amongst the crowd.
I want to see disappearing foam, drinks breaks (warmest day of the year) and most of all very good looking scantily clad buxom ladies amongst the crowd.
You may be disappointed there Bren`d - have you been to Mansfield before?
Quick question regarding the coverage on AVTV...........
Can you watch it on your iphone or is there a problem re flash player not being able to download ?
Yes, dancing!
(http://charmcitywire.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Carlton-Dance-GIF.gif)
Yes, dancing!
(http://charmcitywire.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Carlton-Dance-GIF.gif)
Too hot for that - what about a slow foxtrot?
Just trying to decide whether to wear shorts or not.
Jores to return tonight?
Want to see Jores, Grealish, Bent and Delph.
Anyone gonna be watching on AVTV?
Anyone gonna be watching on AVTV?
Anyone gonna be watching on AVTV?
AVTV willing (which was touch and go last pre season) , yes I will!
Assuming it works, yep. I can't wait for Captain Jack to talk about stuff that has nothing to do with football.
Decent. What was the issue last year? I've got it on now and it's a bit laggy every now and then.
Is it just me or is AVTV really quiet. Even with the volume on max I can hardly hear it.
Is it just me or is AVTV really quiet. Even with the volume on max I can hardly hear it.
It's always like that, something they need to sort out.
Is it just me or is AVTV really quiet. Even with the volume on max I can hardly hear it.
It's always like that, something they need to sort out.
At least it isn't old age then!
Is it just me or is AVTV really quiet. Even with the volume on max I can hardly hear it.
It's always like that, something they need to sort out.
At least it isn't old age then!
I'm probably older than you so it's possible.
Pretty sad travelling all the way from London just to get Keane's autograph.
Quick question regarding the coverage on AVTV...........
Can you watch it on your iphone or is there a problem re flash player not being able to download ?
Just attempted to watch a video on there on iPhone and couldn't so I guess you'll need a PC/laptop.
Not sure about iPads.
Is it just me or is AVTV really quiet. Even with the volume on max I can hardly hear it.
It's always like that, something they need to sort out.
At least it isn't old age then!
I'm probably older than you so it's possible.
Eh? Speak up!
(1st half): Given, Lowton, Okore, Clark, Bennett, Bacuna, Carruthers, Delph, Tonev, Cole, Agbonlahor.Wonder if anyone won a tenner on that lineup. I doubt it.
Good to see Okore back.
Quick question regarding the coverage on AVTV...........
Can you watch it on your iphone or is there a problem re flash player not being able to download ?
Stream is stuttering for me - on a 150 meg connection
I know it is a friendly but you can see that they know how to pass and move. Why the smeg don't we do it more in the league?Very frustrating. I hope by the time the league comes around Roy Keane has made it very clear that if they don't keep it up, he'll give them a good old fashioned talkin to.
You really can see as well that Cole is a quality player. If, and it is a big if, we can get a fair amount of playing time out of him he is going to be a big asset.I'm hoping for similar from Carruthers. He's looking composed and confident on the ball. Could be potential backup for that No 10 position.
You really can see as well that Cole is a quality player. If, and it is a big if, we can get a fair amount of playing time out of him he is going to be a big asset.
He's not quite at the Pires stage yet (I hope). I hope we'll get a couple of, at least half decent, years out of him. Cole never particularly relied on pace, where Pires was known for his surging runs.You really can see as well that Cole is a quality player. If, and it is a big if, we can get a fair amount of playing time out of him he is going to be a big asset.
It's all very Pires. You can see the qualities they had at their peak. You don't lose that. They just lose a step and get knackered faster. You're right though. IF he can be used sparingly, stay healthy and motivated he can change a game with his vision.
Gabby looking stockier than ever.Yep. I'm wondering if he found Holts stash.
Gabby looking stockier than ever.Yep. I'm wondering if he found Holts stash.
Gabby looking stockier than ever.
Pires was 4 years older so hopefully Cole will be able to contribute more.
Every now and again Woodward asks a question as if forgetting he doesn't have a co-commentator with him...that is unless he's got an imaginary friend next to him that only he can see.
Am I the only one doft enough to keep waiting for replays?
Okore hasn't put a foot wrong so far.Looks very composed. He's not the tallest but he's got a good leap on him.
I was about to say I really do like Bacuna, just as he scoops that chance into another postcode.
I don't see Bacuna as a full back at all.
1-0 Mansfied. From a corner.
I'll check on the replay...oh...1-0 Mansfied. From a corner.
I thought it was a Rory Delap special?
get Benteke on quick.
get Benteke on quick.
Speaking of him when is he back?
get Benteke on quick.
Speaking of him when is he back?
"At this stage, it's only about fitness. We go again." Please can we rewind to the start of the World Cup and have another 6 weeks off Villa?
We tailed off disappointingly in the last 15 mins of the first half. I think Carruthers seemed to drift out the game having started well. Lost a bit of concentration at times and became sloppy. He's got to improve that. Delph was a little sloppier than usual but still showed plenty of drive. Tonev was Tonev. Bacuna's final delivery was ropey.
Cole showed touches of class and generally at the heart of our best play. Gabby looks heavy and seems to have lost another yard of pace.
The back four generally have done well. Okore in particular looks very classy. I think he'll be a very good player. I'll go as far as saying, if we don't have a takeover in the next year, a big club will poach him. Given, like the rest of the backline has been solid bar the goal.
Looking forward to seeing the second half as we've got Zogbia who can offer some flair and drive, and a couple of poachers in Bent and Weimann. I'm hoping we look more dangerous in attack.
I'm not a fan of this mixed up line up thing we often do in pre-season. I'd like to see one half with a full line up of what Lambo think is our best available 11, then switch it to the back ups in the second half. I'd like to have seen Bent or Weimann in for Gabby and Zogbia in for Tonev for a start. Probably Westwood in place of Carruthers.
There's no such thing as a friendly! This is the first of many battles toward the ultimate goal of scraping to 40 points. Cole and Okore made it through 45 mins injury free. That's one battle won.We tailed off disappointingly in the last 15 mins of the first half. I think Carruthers seemed to drift out the game having started well. Lost a bit of concentration at times and became sloppy. He's got to improve that. Delph was a little sloppier than usual but still showed plenty of drive. Tonev was Tonev. Bacuna's final delivery was ropey.
Cole showed touches of class and generally at the heart of our best play. Gabby looks heavy and seems to have lost another yard of pace.
The back four generally have done well. Okore in particular looks very classy. I think he'll be a very good player. I'll go as far as saying, if we don't have a takeover in the next year, a big club will poach him. Given, like the rest of the backline has been solid bar the goal.
Looking forward to seeing the second half as we've got Zogbia who can offer some flair and drive, and a couple of poachers in Bent and Weimann. I'm hoping we look more dangerous in attack.
I'm not a fan of this mixed up line up thing we often do in pre-season. I'd like to see one half with a full line up of what Lambo think is our best available 11, then switch it to the back ups in the second half. I'd like to have seen Bent or Weimann in for Gabby and Zogbia in for Tonev for a start. Probably Westwood in place of Carruthers.
Blimey that's a bit long winded for a first half pre-season friendly.
So, hands up anyone who thought they'd see Bent and Hutton in the same Aston Villa side again?
So, hands up anyone who thought they'd see Bent and Hutton in the same Aston Villa side again?
So, hands up anyone who thought they'd see Bent and Hutton in the same Aston Villa side again?Somewhere in the World, or possibly within this Galaxy, Villa Kicks has his hand up.
What side is out
Thank you. Worryingly close to a first eleven then.
Where's Tony Moon? Is he injured?
Thank you. Worryingly close to a first eleven then.
Well only if you discard Richardson, Guzan, Gabby, Benteke, Kozak, Cole, Clark, Okore, Delph, Bacuna, Vlaar, Lowton etc *winky*
Darren Bent has one of the most distinctive gaits in football.
Westwood appears to be playing as a playmaking center half. It's a strange formation. Hutton's barely had a touch at wing back.
Every now and again Woodward asks a question as if forgetting he doesn't have a co-commentator with him...that is unless he's got an imaginary friend next to him that only he can see.
I've just seen this. Are people actually watching this?
Get help people.
I've just seen this. Are people actually watching this?
Get help people.
I've just seen this. Are people actually watching this?
Get help people.
I've just seen this. Are people actually watching this?
Get help people.
I expect a full post match thread too, with spitting, blood, vitriol and anger interspersed with shouts of Lambert, Faulkner and Lerner out. SH and Hilts to get extra angry ;)
Any chance Mr Nash can make a return for the inquest?
Any chance Mr Nash can make a return for the inquest?
Baker looking like he wasn't entirely sure where he was or what was going on, there.
I know it's a friendly and it's only Mansfield etc etc, but we've played some nice stuff tonightWe looked a bit confused early 2nd half with this system, but they've warmed into it and it looks quite good. Might be worth looking at against better opposition. Maybe a half against Parma.
What are the odds on us conceding a late goal
Europe here we come, Europe Europe here we come.Actually America .
Karim's been very good today. I think he's looked sharper and fitter than anyone. Perhaps being teetotal has helped him there. He looks a lot better playing forward and being more of a playmaker. Whether he can do that against Prem opposition regularly is another matter though.
3-1, Weimann good cross, Bent nods in.
Have we sung the "have you won the European cup " song yet ?
You tell me, I'm watching masterchef .Have we sung the "have you won the European cup " song yet ?
Have we conceded the late goal yet?
Very enjoyable.
You tell me, I'm watching masterchef .Have we sung the "have you won the European cup " song yet ?
Have we conceded the late goal yet?
I never thought i'd say this but here goes. Hutton had a decent game. There I've said it.
Will also add that Gabby needs to work very hard to stay a prominent player. He looked sluggish, a bit portly and offered very little threat. Benty on the other hand, and I fancied him to do this, found pockets of space and offered a lot more threat. Could have had a hattrick. I would be worried starting at Stoke with Gab through the middle.
I never thought i'd say this but here goes. Hutton had a decent game. There I've said it.
Yeah but it was against his level opponents. Take the blinkers off Clampy!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I never thought i'd say this but here goes. Hutton had a decent game. There I've said it.
Yeah but it was against his level opponents. Take the blinkers off Clampy!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You mean Clamps.
He seems to add a stone every passing season. I do worry if he gets a new four year deal, because by 2019 he'll look like Gabba the Hut.Will also add that Gabby needs to work very hard to stay a prominent player. He looked sluggish, a bit portly and offered very little threat. Benty on the other hand, and I fancied him to do this, found pockets of space and offered a lot more threat. Could have had a hattrick. I would be worried starting at Stoke with Gab through the middle.
Each season Gabby worries me more and more. Far more than he worries the opposition defence and keepers.
I could write an odyssey about my only ever trip to Mansfield, I probably have and posted it on the memories thread,
However, my first attempt to go to this cultural centre, was back in 72 the year we won the third division.
It was our last away game, I went to work as a young apprentice and decided during the day , I was going to Mansfield.
My sympathetic Villa supporting Boss let me leave after lunch.
Off to New Street Station, stood in the queue for destinations starting with M.
Return ticket please, sorry no train station in Mansfield.
Distraught, how can a town not have a train station !
Rush off to Digbeth, Midland Red, Bus went via all horrible places east two hours ago.
That was it, I was stymied, no way of getting there.
Looking at my "complete record book" not everyone was as daft as me, there was a crowd of 12000+ that night.
Another oddity, I had forgotten was that well known Bnose Vowden scored in the match, in fact he scored 6 goals in the last 6 games.
Steamer
I never thought i'd say this but here goes. Hutton had a decent game. There I've said it.
Yeah but it was against his level opponents. Take the blinkers off Clampy!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I never thought i'd say this but here goes. Hutton had a decent game. There I've said it.
Yeah but it was against his level opponents. Take the blinkers off Clampy!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We normally lose to lower division teams, so we should be pleased! ;-)
It was nice to see Bent back in the fold again.Bent you may recall scored a quality goal at Wigan on his last proper game for us. He is a natural goal scorer.
We all know he has his faults and the challenges with integrating him, but given it looks like we're not rolling in it, transfer-wise, then thank fuck we're stopping this bomb squad nonsense, because we're probably going to need them.
How frustrating will it be if the members of the bomb squad go on to have a decent season for us... I hope they do, just a waste of money, talent over the past twelve months.
And did nothing for the rest of the match. Which is the Bent conundrum.I'll take doing not much and netting 2 (almost 3) over Gabby's contribution of doing nothing and not coming remotely close to scoring.
And did nothing for the rest of the match. Which is the Bent conundrum.The game lost all sort of shape after the bent goal, flare and long delay. You cannot fault bent for that.
How frustrating will it be if the members of the bomb squad go on to have a decent season for us... I hope they do, just a waste of money, talent over the past twelve months.
We need him. I doubt we could sign a better player for less than 10 million than a fully motivated, fit, and firing Darren Bent. He is only 30. If we can have him fit and firing, then lets see how he goes.He doesn't have the pace to trouble a high line anymore, but teams don't often defend with a high line against us. With a little more guile in the side, which hopefully Cole and Zog can provide (and maybe another signing) I think we could see some goals from Bent and also Kozak because both have good movement in the box.
And did nothing for the rest of the match. Which is the Bent conundrum.
And did nothing for the rest of the match. Which is the Bent conundrum.I'll take doing not much and netting 2 (almost 3) over Gabby's contribution of doing nothing and not coming remotely close to scoring.
I actually thought too, completely unlike Benty, that he dropped out the box a few times to get involved in the play. Not too much, but he did it a few times. If the World Cup winners could still find a place for Klose, who does nothing outside of 12 yards, then I'm hoping we've still got plenty of use to get out of Bent.
And did nothing for the rest of the match. Which is the Bent conundrum.The game lost all sort of shape after the bent goal, flare and long delay. You cannot fault bent for that.
Anyway it doesn't really matter, tonight has proved we're title contenders and that is the important thing.
I could write an odyssey about my only ever trip to Mansfield, I probably have and posted it on the memories thread,
However, my first attempt to go to this cultural centre, was back in 72 the year we won the third division.
It was our last away game, I went to work as a young apprentice and decided during the day , I was going to Mansfield.
My sympathetic Villa supporting Boss let me leave after lunch.
Off to New Street Station, stood in the queue for destinations starting with M.
Return ticket please, sorry no train station in Mansfield.
Distraught, how can a town not have a train station !
Rush off to Digbeth, Midland Red, Bus went via all horrible places east two hours ago.
That was it, I was stymied, no way of getting there.
Looking at my "complete record book" not everyone was as daft as me, there was a crowd of 12000+ that night.
Another oddity, I had forgotten was that well known Bnose Vowden scored in the match, in fact he scored 6 goals in the last 6 games.
Steamer
Attendance: 3,342 (1,078 away).Oooooh Lord empty seats.
I could write an odyssey about my only ever trip to Mansfield, I probably have and posted it on the memories thread,
However, my first attempt to go to this cultural centre, was back in 72 the year we won the third division.
It was our last away game, I went to work as a young apprentice and decided during the day , I was going to Mansfield.
My sympathetic Villa supporting Boss let me leave after lunch.
Off to New Street Station, stood in the queue for destinations starting with M.
Return ticket please, sorry no train station in Mansfield.
Distraught, how can a town not have a train station !
Rush off to Digbeth, Midland Red, Bus went via all horrible places east two hours ago.
That was it, I was stymied, no way of getting there.
Looking at my "complete record book" not everyone was as daft as me, there was a crowd of 12000+ that night.
Another oddity, I had forgotten was that well known Bnose Vowden scored in the match, in fact he scored 6 goals in the last 6 games.
Steamer
(http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article7431942.ece/alternates/s615/Mansfield-1-1-Aston-Villa-League-Three-match-at-Field-Mill-Monday-24th-April-1972-Aston-Villa-earn-point-they-required.jpg)
I will be very happy to be proved wrong but I still can't see Bent contributing much.
He scored a couple of tap ins v Mansfield.he also looked pretty chunky
Paul Lambert insists the early signs are encouraging after seeing his side come from behind to beat Mansfield 3-1 in their opening pre-season friendly.
Lambert was happy with the contribution of newboys like Joe Cole and Kieran Richardson - and returning stars like Alan Hutton, Darren Bent, Jores Okore, Chris Herd, Gary Gardner and Charles N'Zogbia.
Villa boss Lambert was satisfied with the display - and thrilled that everyone came through the match at the One Call Stadium unscathed.
He said: "It was a useful workout.
"It's our first game this season - two halves with different teams - and it was pleasing.
"What is more pleasing is that everyone has come through it unscathed.
"Jores hasn't played for a long time. Charles is the same. Chris and Gary have come back into it. Darren has returned from his loan spell at Fulham. Alan has come back and, I thought, was excellent.
"I was delighted with the whole group.
"We should have been one or two up in that first half. But the response after Mansfield scored was pleasing. The first half was really pleasing as well.
"I am delighted everyone has come through it."
Lambert was pleased to see Bent and Gardner on the scoresheet - and he was able also to speak of the acquisition of Richardson for the first time.
He added: "If there is one lad who deserves a break, it's Gary because of his injuries. He's a terrific lad. He will have to fight. But if he plays like that and does things like that, why not force his way in.
"Darren has the knack of being in the right place at the right time. To be fair to Darren, since he's come back from pre-season, he's knuckled down and gave it a right good go.
"We have Christian Benteke and Libor Kozak coming back shortly. Philippe Senderos will join up with us and Brad Guzan too while Ron Vlaar will have a couple of weeks more off.
"It was good to have Kieran out there. It was there for everyone to see what Kieran can bring.
"He hasn't been here long and probably doesn't know everybody. But he will be a major asset for us."
QuoteLambert was happy with the contribution of newboys like Joe Cole and Kieran Richardson - and returning stars like Alan Hutton, Darren Bent, Jores Okore, Chris Herd, Gary Gardner and Charles N'Zogbia.
I shudder to think what shape Bent was before he 'knuckled down'. To be fair to him, he doesn't seem to have forgotten where to stand when we get possessio near the opposing penalty area.In fairness to Benty though, whilst he doesn't look as streamlined as he once did, I guess with a proper pre-season he'll shed a bit. It seemed he had some desire today. In the fat bastard stakes (or should it be steaks?) Gabby definitely won the chuba-lub award this evening. He's looking very portly and made Bent look like Peter Crouch.
I'm backing Tonev to be a big suprise this season.
And did nothing for the rest of the match. Which is the Bent conundrum.
And did nothing for the rest of the match. Which is the Bent conundrum.
That is usually how he plays but I disagree he was like that for todays match. He was involved a lot, hell I even saw him running the ball out from the back during a counter. I doubt the stats are available but I suspect he got more touches & passes than any other one of our forwards today.
And did nothing for the rest of the match. Which is the Bent conundrum.
That is usually how he plays but I disagree he was like that for todays match. He was involved a lot, hell I even saw him running the ball out from the back during a counter. I doubt the stats are available but I suspect he got more touches & passes than any other one of our forwards today.
When I made that comment I was on about Wigan away rather than tonight. I agree and have mentioned that he did more than just goal hang and he looked a lot more useful than Gabby did tonight. I think it was SuperTom, who also said the same thing, that I said to that maybe you can teach an old dog new tricks.
Obviously doing it in a friendly against Mansfield is a world apart from doing it week after week in the PL, but we can hope!
Yes ...it's Mansfield remember? You'd be a star there.QuoteLambert was happy with the contribution of newboys like Joe Cole and Kieran Richardson - and returning stars like Alan Hutton, Darren Bent, Jores Okore, Chris Herd, Gary Gardner and Charles N'Zogbia.
"Stars"?
If the 9 outfielders behind him can keep possession effectively, then there's a place for Darren Bent. We've got to work very hard on our ball retention this pre-season. If we're going to employ a number 10 role in some games then a poacher like Bent could thrive.I recall an interview with Benteke saying that his prefer role is some sort of secondary striker. He scores goals, he helps the main striker scores goals, all good. It's pretty clear he's what was missing for Belgium at the WC (and us) for those purposes. Who knows - Bent and Benteke could work a treat. To hedge my bets, it could be a total waste of time.
Bent will get his chance early doors and if he gets off to a good start in those pre-Benteke days, then he could well have a strong season. I'd like to see Bent get another stab here.
Pleased to see Bent back in the side tonight. As others have said, I'd take him being anonymous and getting a couple of goals every week.
..... looked very composed......
I couldn't see Joe Cole very well, but from a distance I thought he looked a bit porky - is that right?
If Joe Cole was porky, I'm in serious trouble.
Did the players in last years bomb squad wear last years numbers or have they got something more sensible now?
If Joe Cole was porky, I'm in serious trouble.
Just seen a pic of him from last night - still think he looks a bit flabby considering he's a small guy
If Joe Cole was porky, I'm in serious trouble.
Just seen a pic of him from last night - still think he looks a bit flabby considering he's a small guy
They are all fat bastards. We may as well sign Mr Creosote and put him in goal
Did the players in last years bomb squad wear last years numbers or have they got something more sensible now?
They wore 20 somethings rather than 40 somethings
Hutton 21, NZog 28? Bent 19? I think
If Joe Cole was porky, I'm in serious trouble.
Just seen a pic of him from last night - still think he looks a bit flabby considering he's a small guy
Blues were meant to play them tomorrow and it's been cancelled due to 'safety concerns'.
Helenius had the number nine shirt last season? Deary me, the traditionalists would shake their heads at that one til they fell off.
Nice one, the third goal was the pick, and actually thought AW did really well.
Nice one, the third goal was the pick, and actually thought AW did really well.
I thought Weimann was excellent in the build up to the 2nd and 3rd, looked sharper than he was for a large part of last season.
I genuinely think he could be a really good striker in a couple of years. He had a tough second season, that's not uncommon, but it's how he responds to it. By the look of it his first response has been to get fitter, which is a great step in the right direction.
Nice one, the third goal was the pick, and actually thought AW did really well.
I thought Weimann was excellent in the build up to the 2nd and 3rd, looked sharper than he was for a large part of last season.
I genuinely think he could be a really good striker in a couple of years. He had a tough second season, that's not uncommon, but it's how he responds to it. By the look of it his first response has been to get fitter, which is a great step in the right direction.