Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: Ramsfan on May 16, 2019, 09:06:17 PM
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Hi all,
Some of you might remember me - I posted on here after you thrashed us 3-0 at PP at the back end of last year. Told you I was bunging a load of cash on you to win the league .. did so, bet looked good for a while - then Grealish got injured and it all went south! 🙁
Didn’t bother coming back on here when you thrashed us 4-0 at VP - was too embarrassed tbh! Plus, by then, any chance of you fulfilling my bet had long since gone with young Jack’s injured shin! (Sadly my bet was on you finishing in the top 3, rather than promotion by whatever method!)..
Anyway, thought I’d check back in ahead of our big meeting and offer my views.. for what they’re worth:
Well, personally it’s all a bit of a mare - the missus is a diehard Villan, so the next fortnight is likely to test our nuptials! 🤣 Looking at it another way though, as painful as the big day is going to be for one of us - at least one of our great clubs will be back where we deserve to be!
So what of the outcome? When you thrashed us at PP and were 4-0 up at half time in the return, the idea of us meeting at Wembley was so remote it seems laughable right now! Still not sure what Lampard was playing at VP - the writing was on the wall as soon as I heard the team he’d picked!
For my sake, I hope he learnt many lessons that day. I’d recently started to think he was a bit naive tactically - particularly after once again being outplayed by dirty Leeds on Saturday after playing the exact same way that got us handsomely thrashed twice by them already! But last night’s wholly unexpected and brilliant win at Elland Road gives us hope he’ll come up with a plan to counter the many threats you’ll pose at Wembley. We’re somehow going to have to try and find a way of snuffing out young Jack on the wide open spaces of the hallowed turf. Hourihane has a nasty habit of scoring against us, as does Abraham. But the team spirit I saw last night, coupled with some quite brilliant attacking play (admittedly aided by shoddy Leeds defending) really gives me some hope when common sense says there shouldn’t really be much!
You will be firm favourites and - joking apart - I really won’t have a problem with you making it back to the Prem. On the day, much will depend on whether the Villa I saw play at West Brom turns up, or the one that was so impressive towards season’s end. But it’ll also depend on the approach Lampard adopts: Play with the fearless abandon and togetherness we showed last night and it could be some occasion! My money’s on you ... but that should be good news for my beloved Rams!
7-0 to you over the two games so far suggests only one possible outcome - but that’s what Leeds thought last night with a similar 7-1 advantage over three games! In the end it counted for nothing and it was a joy to see the cocky smiles knocked off their arrogant Yorkshire mugs! Have always loathed then .. I’m old enough to remember their treatment of the great B Clough, and their blatant cheating and poor sportsmanship against you lot up there recently only deepened my disdain!
It’s a one off cup final on 27th.. try and enjoy the day Villa - and good luck next year, whichever league you’re in!
Cheers, Ramsfan.
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Nice post Ramsfan, thank you. I hope you have a great day out and your wife is the happier!!!
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I like it when other teams' fans post here so thanks for that.
I haven't got a fucking clue how it will pan out. Watching football over the last couple of weeks has been mindbending. I think the two teams play quite similarly. I'd like to think we have marginally better players and we do have a much more experienced manager, though Lampard has obviously been involved in games of this magnitude whereas Smith hasn't.
I do know that I'm glad we're not playing Leeds. Not that Derby are necessarily a much worse team, just that I have the feeling that Leeds had our number to a certain extent. They tried to rile us and succeeded. At least this will be a game of football.
In short, fuck knows.
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Good post mate and so glad to be playing you and not either of the other 2 play off teams!!
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Welcome mate and best of luck, to your Mrs ;-)
Nah it’s honestly a relief to know that if we don’t make it, it won’t be at the expense of that horrible Leeds team. Derby one of the few teams I don’t hate.
What do you lot think of the Malone suspension out of interest?
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So pleased its you lot not Leeds.Atmosphere around Wembley will be far nicer.Hope you don't make it this time,but storm it next season.
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Good post! I have a cracking mate who’s a massive Derby fan, but whatever the result we will still be mates. Two proper clubs in this play off..it’s been great in the championship but time for us to get back to the first division. Cheers.
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Welcome mate and best of luck, to your Mrs ;-)
Nah it’s honestly a relief to know that if we don’t make it, it won’t be at the expense of that horrible Leeds team. Derby one of the few teams I don’t hate.
What do you lot think of the Malone suspension out of interest?
Interesting one that mate... personally don’t rate the guy, bit like Bambi on Ice! But i have to say the thought of El Ghazi running at Cole fills me with dread .. and memories of his half time substitution at VP! FL will need to come up with a plan to cover his lack of legs when we’re on the defensive... on a positive note though, AC’s experience could be crucial with such a young team , most of whom have never even been near Wembley!
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Should be a good weekend down there - the Mackems are into their play off final - no problem with them or Derby fans so it promises to be a decent footballing weekend
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Great post. Still hope we beat you and your partner is happier than you, though.
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Good post ramsfan. Before last nights game i would have been confident of turning Derby over in the final. But i was very impressed with the way your team coped with Leeds. Their players and fans thought they had it in the bag so it was quite amusing to watch their fans slowly realise that their antics on and off the pitch hadn't worked out how they'd expected. Im sure Dean Smith will drum it into the players that what happened in the league means nothing. Our players and supporters know for sure that victory will only be won if we bring our 'A' game on and off the pitch. Whatever the outcome i hope we all have a great day at Wembley and do our illustrious clubs proud. Im obviously hoping and praying for a Villa victory but if we lose we'll wish you well in the Premier league. After all we pride ourselves on being the classy club in the West Midlands. See ya at Wembley.
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Good post ramsfan. Before last nights game i would have been confident of turning Derby over in the final. But i was very impressed with the way your team coped with Leeds. Their players and fans thought they had it in the bag so it was quite amusing to watch their fans slowly realise that their antics on and off the pitch hadn't worked out how they'd expected. Im sure Dean Smith will drum it into the players that what happened in the league means nothing. Our players and supporters know for sure that victory will only be won if we bring our 'A' game on and off the pitch. Whatever the outcome i hope we all have a great day at Wembley and do our illustrious clubs proud. Im obviously hoping and praying for a Villa victory but if we lose we'll wish you well in the Premier league. After all we pride ourselves on being the classy club in the West Midlands. See ya at Wembley.
Well said.
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Good post ramsfan. Before last nights game i would have been confident of turning Derby over in the final. But i was very impressed with the way your team coped with Leeds. Their players and fans thought they had it in the bag so it was quite amusing to watch their fans slowly realise that their antics on and off the pitch hadn't worked out how they'd expected. Im sure Dean Smith will drum it into the players that what happened in the league means nothing. Our players and supporters know for sure that victory will only be won if we bring our 'A' game on and off the pitch. Whatever the outcome i hope we all have a great day at Wembley and do our illustrious clubs proud. Im obviously hoping and praying for a Villa victory but if we lose we'll wish you well in the Premier league. After all we pride ourselves on being the classy club in the West Midlands. See ya at Wembley.
Well said.
I'll second that - football will be the eventual winner
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Good post ramsfan. Before last nights game i would have been confident of turning Derby over in the final. But i was very impressed with the way your team coped with Leeds. Their players and fans thought they had it in the bag so it was quite amusing to watch their fans slowly realise that their antics on and off the pitch hadn't worked out how they'd expected. Im sure Dean Smith will drum it into the players that what happened in the league means nothing. Our players and supporters know for sure that victory will only be won if we bring our 'A' game on and off the pitch. Whatever the outcome i hope we all have a great day at Wembley and do our illustrious clubs proud. Im obviously hoping and praying for a Villa victory but if we lose we'll wish you well in the Premier league. After all we pride ourselves on being the classy club in the West Midlands. See ya at Wembley.
Well said.
I'll second that - football will be the eventual winner
What odds are they offering on football? I fancy a slice of that!
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Ramsfan you are married to a very decent lady.
As others said I hope football is the winner on the day and if it is The Villa will be on their way to the Premier League and you guys will win the Championship next season :)
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I fancy a slice too but it doesn't involve footy SE :)
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I fancy a slice too but it doesn't involve footy SE :)
Are we back to baked goods already VCTM, what was the Scouse contribution on the Not Safe for Work Edibles NSWE thread?
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I don't like this idea of other fans liking us. We're horrible, arrogant cheats.
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I don't like this idea of other fans liking us. We're horrible, arrogant cheats.
Not to mention "fanny's"
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I fancy a slice too but it doesn't involve footy SE :)
not sure PT, but one thing I've missed since living up here is a Pineapple Cream (with green sprinkles on the top
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Brilliant performance by Derby last night, genuinely chuffed for them. Didn't expect them to win, but quite glad they did purely because they're a far more likeable club than Leeds.
Villa's clearly going in to the final favourites, which may or may not work in our favour. I'd rather be in Derby's position, having come back from the brink to pull off a great result than having scraped through on penalties. Doubt it'll be an easy ride against them.
Either way, hopefully see Villa vs Derby in the 20/21 Premier League fixtures. :)
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And perhaps a loser takes all gate receipts?
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The PL will be much better off for not having thugs and shit football merchants like Albion or Leeds. The final will be played in the right spirit by two sides capable of good football and scoring goals. I think we have the slight upper hand but it certainly won’t be easy. Derby will likely go in as underdogs which might suit them. It sure didn’t hurt them vs Leeds. It will be a good game.
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And perhaps a loser takes all gate receipts?
I think that's the convention and has been since Karen Brady agreed it with Norwich in advance of Small Heath's only playoff final appearance.
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And perhaps a loser takes all gate receipts?
I think that's the convention and has been since Karen Brady agreed it with Norwich in advance of Small Heath's only playoff final appearance.
I see. I was at Cardiff for that in the Norwich end as my boss’s bro worked for them, my Dad such a magnanimous West Mids footy fan insisting we stayed to watch Blues lift the trophy.
Still have a lot of respect for this attitude though foreign today, Villa we’re away he’d always go to see Blues or the Baggies, when I was a kid we did borrow WBA season Tix if the owners were away.
Also have a fondness for Derby, may we indeed meet up top very soon. Won’t be too tricky to take sides for Taylor & McGrath though.
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Great post, welcome Ramsfan. You played the tykes off the park in the second half last night and deservedly reserved your place at Wembley on the 27th. Football is the winner as I believe it will be an open entertaining game. Enjoy the weekend but hope your missus enjoys it more! UTV.
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I don't like this idea of other fans liking us. We're horrible, arrogant cheats.
Not to mention "fanny's"
I'm a vile seal myself.
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The results between the two clubs this season mean nothing. If you look at Villa's results in many seasons past, the opposition could be playing a different team depending on the time of the year.
We play attacking football, Derby play attacking football. Frank is smart enough to know that we would win a defensive game.
I predict it will be a great match and the team that can control their composure will win it.
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I agree that the 2 league results mean nothing. This is going to be a very close game - As you would expect between 2 teams who have knocked out Leeds & West Brom in the semis.
Derby have had a fantastic end to the season, as have we and have only lost twice, the same as us (once in the leafue, once in the play offs).
I don't think we've been at our best lately, losing 2, drawing 1 and winning 1 of our last 4. Prior to that, in our 2 previous games (Bolton & Millwall), I always felt that we could step it up at any time if we really needed to. Hopefully, we will be on top of our game at Wembley - If we are, we're a handful for any Championship side.
On a side note - For pleasantness, it's so nice to be playing Derby at Wembley rather than Leeds or Albion. Here's hoping everyone has a great day out.
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Was really pleased that you knocked Dirty Leeds out. Did say partly as we have a good record against you as well, but also as if we lose, I would rather it was Derby that went up.
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My dear mom has a saying of "cheaters never prosper"
How relevant is that to the shithouses that are Bitters and Dirty Leeds.
Football won and we all should be happy knowing both teams will play openly, honestly and will be gracious in defeat if need be.
Should be a great game and day out.
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Football has shown over the last few weeks that the team who wants it most have eventually ended up the winners.
I am hoping for a great game played in the same spirit with of course ourselves the eventual winners, but if Derby were to win I am sure Villains would wish them the best of luck.
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Classy post, particularly when I compare it to the messages I've got from WBA and Blues fans.
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I'm glad it was Derby and not Boro who got the last play off place, and I'm really glad you beat Leeds to get to the final. Hopefully it will be a great game of football, and you'll come up automatically next year! ;)
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Good stuff Ramsfan.
Enjoyed seeing your celebrations after defeating dirty dirty Leeds.
Obviously want your wife to enjoy the final most but thanks for your comments.
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Great post and great gesture, both of our clubs belong in the top division (frankly, enmities aside, the whole top six this year should historically be in the top division) and it's great for the game that one of us will make it.
Neither side will make it easy for the other on the day I think. I really rate Lampard as a potential top level manager, he's always had an obviously deep and thoughtful approach to the game, which was one of the (many) reasons I always preferred him to Gerrard, and he'll have learned from the reversals against us this season and will have a plan. Hopefully Dean can counter it, and hopefully it will be a good game - although, as I said on the pre match thread, I'd take a scrappy, shitty, bobbles-in scuffed penalty that shouldn't have been given while you have 10 goals wrongly ruled out, and you guys of course would to!
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Great post and great gesture, both of our clubs belong in the top division (frankly, enmities aside, the whole top six this year should historically be in the top division) and it's great for the game that one of us will make it.
Neither side will make it easy for the other on the day I think. I really rate Lampard as a potential top level manager, he's always had an obviously deep and thoughtful approach to the game, which was one of the (many) reasons I always preferred him to Gerrard, and he'll have learned from the reversals against us this season and will have a plan. Hopefully Dean can counter it, and hopefully it will be a good game - although, as I said on the pre match thread, I'd take a scrappy, shitty, bobbles-in scuffed penalty that shouldn't have been given while you have 10 goals wrongly ruled out, and you guys of course would to!
I respectfully, but firmly, disagree (http://www.myfootballfacts.com/SEASONS-IN-TOP-FLIGHT----1888-89-to-2009-10.html). Leeds are just a mad cult.
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Great post and great gesture, both of our clubs belong in the top division (frankly, enmities aside, the whole top six this year should historically be in the top division) and it's great for the game that one of us will make it.
Neither side will make it easy for the other on the day I think. I really rate Lampard as a potential top level manager, he's always had an obviously deep and thoughtful approach to the game, which was one of the (many) reasons I always preferred him to Gerrard, and he'll have learned from the reversals against us this season and will have a plan. Hopefully Dean can counter it, and hopefully it will be a good game - although, as I said on the pre match thread, I'd take a scrappy, shitty, bobbles-in scuffed penalty that shouldn't have been given while you have 10 goals wrongly ruled out, and you guys of course would to!
I respectfully, but firmly, disagree (http://www.myfootballfacts.com/SEASONS-IN-TOP-FLIGHT----1888-89-to-2009-10.html). Leeds are just a mad cult.
I only ever knew one Leeds fan and he was a bit of a mad cult.
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Great post and great gesture, both of our clubs belong in the top division (frankly, enmities aside, the whole top six this year should historically be in the top division) and it's great for the game that one of us will make it.
Neither side will make it easy for the other on the day I think. I really rate Lampard as a potential top level manager, he's always had an obviously deep and thoughtful approach to the game, which was one of the (many) reasons I always preferred him to Gerrard, and he'll have learned from the reversals against us this season and will have a plan. Hopefully Dean can counter it, and hopefully it will be a good game - although, as I said on the pre match thread, I'd take a scrappy, shitty, bobbles-in scuffed penalty that shouldn't have been given while you have 10 goals wrongly ruled out, and you guys of course would to!
I respectfully, but firmly, disagree (http://www.myfootballfacts.com/SEASONS-IN-TOP-FLIGHT----1888-89-to-2009-10.html). Leeds are just a mad cult.
I only ever knew one Leeds fan and he was a bit of a mad cult.
Something wrong with your spelling? ;)
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(https://i.ibb.co/pJWp4Cq/thatsthejoke.jpg) (https://ibb.co/pJWp4Cq)
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I've lots of time for Derby, proper football town and down to earth fans. If we don't go up then I'd rather it be them than Leeds and Allbeyun.
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Surprised to see that Glossop have only spent one season in the top flight.
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I quite like Derby, they play football the right way, although 'Frank Lampard's Derby' is getting a bit nauseous.
Very pleased Derby beat Leeds and hopefully the final will be a great game. I'll be gutted if we don't win, but if the worst happens it will be slightly more palatable than losing to Leeds or the Baggies.
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Nah they might be a sack of cults but if Baggies and the Sheffield are top division clubs then Leeds are easily.
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Can I join the Derby love in? My late Nan was from Derby and never lost her accent. Miss her calling me duck.
Anyway, enough of that, Up the Villa!
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Nice to hear from you again, Ramsfan.
You guys were terrific the other night: who saw that coming? Hope that performance has killed any complacency in our lot arising from the League games earlier in the season stone dead.
May the best team win Monday week (as long it is the Villa!!) and good luck for next season!
Let's all hope the weather will be better on the Bank Holiday Monday weather than it was on the last one...
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I don't like this idea of other fans liking us. We're horrible, arrogant cheats.
Not to mention "fanny's"
I'm a vile seal myself.
Can you please explain the term 'seal'. Ta.
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Apparently when we clap and cheer it’s like seals flapping their flippers. No, me neither.
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Apparently when we clap and cheer it’s like seals flapping their flippers. No, me neither.
I believe the Albion considered themselves above such things until Tuesday, when they became the loudest ever fans in a modest stadium, ever.
Which goes well with their best ever away win by any team ever at a mid table top flight club.
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Apparently when we clap and cheer it’s like seals flapping their flippers. No, me neither.
The Albion used to call us that years back. I think it goes back to the days of the old Trinity when fans their would do the Villa clap clap clap song whilst stamping their feet too. It often used to get the Holte going and the rest of the ground would join in..
I met Frank Skinner briefly a few years ago. He said he had never heard the term "seals" used about us.
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My Dad used to go on about the 1946 cup game with Derby, record attendance at Villa Park.
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Always liked Derby. To me they're actually a bigger club than Forest but obviously don't have the prestige two european cup gives you.
Their crowds are consistantly better though. Respect the 25k that stuck with them even after that abysmal season when they got less prem points than we did in 15-16.
Obviously hope we win. Could be a case that if Derby stay down they could have serious crack at top 2 next year as Lampard has had the usual ups and downs in his first year so should be a better manager next season.
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My dear mom has a saying of "cheaters never prosper"
How relevant is that to the shithouses that are Bitters and Dirty Leeds.
Football won and we all should be happy knowing both teams will play openly, honestly and will be gracious in defeat if need be.
Should be a great game and day out.
Agreed but tbf, going forward, Leeds are bloody good.
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My dear mom has a saying of "cheaters never prosper"
How relevant is that to the shithouses that are Bitters and Dirty Leeds.
Football won and we all should be happy knowing both teams will play openly, honestly and will be gracious in defeat if need be.
Should be a great game and day out.
Agreed but tbf, going forward, Leeds are bloody good.
Agree mate, I thought they were the best opposition we played at home this season
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My dear mom has a saying of "cheaters never prosper"
How relevant is that to the shithouses that are Bitters and Dirty Leeds.
Football won and we all should be happy knowing both teams will play openly, honestly and will be gracious in defeat if need be.
Should be a great game and day out.
Agreed but tbf, going forward, Leeds are bloody good.
Agree mate, I thought they were the best opposition we played at home this season
Were they top, then? I can't remember.
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All this talk of Bielsa, in the end he failed miserably. Cant understand the hype.
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All this talk of Bielsa, in the end he failed miserably. Cant understand the hype.
Hasn’t he always failed?
In fairness he got virtually the same team from last season playing a lot better this season. However, when he was appointed it was well known from previous clubs that the players would tire by the season end, as was the case this season. Having Bamford up front didn’t help them though either!
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My dear mom has a saying of "cheaters never prosper"
How relevant is that to the shithouses that are Bitters and Dirty Leeds.
Football won and we all should be happy knowing both teams will play openly, honestly and will be gracious in defeat if need be.
Should be a great game and day out.
Agreed but tbf, going forward, Leeds are bloody good.
Agree mate, I thought they were the best opposition we played at home this season
Were they top, then? I can't remember.
They went top after beating us, playing some really good stuff
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They were ten points ahead of Sheffield United at that point, the bottlers.
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I remember thinking beforehand that it'd probably be the best game of football played in the division this season. Shame we were on the turn then.
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Bielsa is brilliant and one of the people who invented modern football but he has this constant problem at club level, where his teams are incredible for 2/3rds of the season and then just burn out from all the running and the lack of squad rotation. Happens every time.
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Bielsa is brilliant and one of the people who invented modern football but he has this constant problem at club level, where his teams are incredible for 2/3rds of the season and then just burn out from all the running and the lack of squad rotation. Happens every time.
He's a wonderful, wonderful coach, but not a manager.
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Bielsa is brilliant and one of the people who invented modern football but he has this constant problem at club level, where his teams are incredible for 2/3rds of the season and then just burn out from all the running and the lack of squad rotation. Happens every time.
He's a wonderful, wonderful coach, but not a manager.
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He might be a great coach and tactician but you'd think after all of these years he'd have figured out his methods often garner the same results. His teams get off to great starts and fade badly. And it was always going to happen in a long 46 game campaign, an arduous schedule that he would never have encountered in the past.
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They play good football, and he’s had a really bad time with injuries, but fuck me, £8m for Patrick Bamford? Bruce-esque in its shitness, that.
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I think I've already posted this, but I think we'd have struggled against Leeds. They just had the right blend of being C-words and being good that would've stopped us playing and drawn us into a ******-off that they would obviously always win.
No guarantees that Derby won't beat us but at least we'll both be playing the same game.
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Glad that we are playing Derby, as Leeds, although being the best side I have seen this season, have turned into nasty buggers when things aren't going their way and Wembley against them would have turned into a game of attrition which nobody wants to see.
At least with Derby it will be a game of football and on the day if Villa play as they have in the last two games we will lose so we have to respect the opposition but play to our strengths.
Hopefully your missus will be the happier of you two, Ransfan, but all the best for next season (whichever league you find yourself in)!
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I think we'd have struggled with Leeds too, to the point where I was not convinced we'd beat them at all. Same with Fulham.
While it will certainly be a while different game, I'd much rather have beaten a side 7-0 over both league games and absolutely outplayed them, than have been twatted senseless by our prospective opposition.
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I'm not sure Leeds faded physically. Their running numbers remained up there and they were still creating bags of chances. They were 2-0 up after a game and a half of the semis
I think it was more down to mentality. They completely shot themselves in the foot. Gave away a ridiculous goal, penalty and red card. Without that hat trick I can't see Derby winning that game
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Yes, Leeds brains faded badly. Absolute stupidity. No game management and no shape at the back. So loose it was comedic.
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You can force your legs to run on, but your brain gets too tired, especially with the ultra-taxing positional stuff he makes them do.
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Derby didn’t have a shot on target until the 134th minute of a 180 minute tie. And that was due to defending that would’ve made Laurel and Hardy blush. Then a goal straight from kick off which was again appalling defensively as was their 4th goal. Gifted 3 goals while the other was a stupid penalty. Leeds blew it in a way I didn’t even think they were capable of.
Fair play to Derby and I’m delighted we have them not Leeds as I think we actually have a genuine gulf in class all over the pitch. Now go and watch us lose.
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The 2 teams that got knocked out, lost it mentally.
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The 2 teams that got knocked out, lost it mentally.
Oh yes Jimmy Shan shit the bed. Albion above us in the table all season playing half decent football by all accounts, changed there whole set up and formation to 5-4-1 in the last few weeks because he realised they’d be playing us in the semi final. He 100% bottled it.
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And isn’t that a great feeling? We are the team to think about.
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The irony is that it nearly worked for Albion.
We weren't great in the first leg and even worse in the second. Albion played more or less to the maximum of their ability. 2-1 at home was acceptable but it was also acceptable for them and once they got their goal in the second leg, they had the momentum and were probably favourites to go on and win.
I can't help but wonder what they might have done if they'd been more adventurous in the first leg. Deano would certainly have been more attack minded. It is very likely that they over-concerned themselves about us and it had a detrimental effect on the tie as far as they were concerned.
Either way, it's history now but I for one hope we never have to go through another 120 minutes like that at the Hawthorns again. It was hell on earth.
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The irony is that it nearly worked for Albion.
We weren't great in the first leg and even worse in the second. Albion played more or less to the maximum of their ability. 2-1 at home was acceptable but it was also acceptable for them and once they got their goal in the second leg, they had the momentum and were probably favourites to go on and win.
I can't help but wonder what they might have done if they'd been more adventurous in the first leg. Deano would certainly have been more attack minded. It is very likely that they over-concerned themselves about us and it had a detrimental effect on the tie as far as they were concerned.
Either way, it's history now but I for one hope we never have to go through another 120 minutes like that at the Hawthorns again. It was hell on earth.
That does sound like Smethwick.
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The irony is that it nearly worked for Albion.
We weren't great in the first leg and even worse in the second. Albion played more or less to the maximum of their ability. 2-1 at home was acceptable but it was also acceptable for them and once they got their goal in the second leg, they had the momentum and were probably favourites to go on and win.
I can't help but wonder what they might have done if they'd been more adventurous in the first leg. Deano would certainly have been more attack minded. It is very likely that they over-concerned themselves about us and it had a detrimental effect on the tie as far as they were concerned.
Either way, it's history now but I for one hope we never have to go through another 120 minutes like that at the Hawthorns again. It was hell on earth.
That does sound like Smethwick.
Bravo, SE. Applause 👏
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Ramsfan, a couple of years back I remember reading something along the lines of if your season ticket holders committed and renewed/bought early, they'd get their PL ticket for free, were you to have been promoted. Do you still offer that?
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Ramsfan, a couple of years back I remember reading something along the lines of if your season ticket holders committed and renewed/bought early, they'd get their PL ticket for free, were you to have been promoted. Do you still offer that?
You’re right mate we did ... it was in place last season too but we
lost to Fulham in the semis so that was the end of that! No such offer in place this season I’m afraid... think our owner is more intent on recovering some of his considerable outlay than blowing more of his Candy Crush fortune on us! In fairness, it was a similar deal to the one struck between play off finalists in recent seasons: loser takes all the Wembley gate money as the winners make such a fortune from making it to the Prem they don’t need the couple of million in gate receipts. Same philosophy.. cover the costs of season tickets to the most loyal early bird renewers - loose change compared to the riches offered by simply being in the Prem.
Wonder if Villa and Derby will do a Wembley gate receipts to the loser deal?
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By the way... got my tix for Wembley today and for those wondering, my long suffering ‘Mrs Claret and blue’ will be sat next to me in our end! She’ll be sitting on her hands and trying to suppress her screams of support for AV! Reckons it’ll be worse than watching pens at The Hawthorns ... but at least she’s there! 🤣
By the way we’re now sold out.. ru guys? Loads of disappointed regulars without tickets too.. 🙁
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Our ticket criteria has been significantly different to Derby. Not sure how many tickets are left but expect it will sell out Monday evening with the 3+ games criteria if not before.
Is it true that your tickets went on general sale on Sunday to anybody with booking history and allowed 2 tickets per ID? If so, it’s no wonder there will be lots of disappointed regulars.
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Our ticket criteria has been significantly different to Derby. Not sure how many tickets are left but expect it will sell out Monday evening with the 3+ games criteria if not before.
Is it true that your tickets went on general sale on Sunday to anybody with booking history and allowed 2 tickets per ID? If so, it’s no wonder there will be lots of disappointed regulars.
Yes it is ... ructions about it and people saying Villa’s approach has been much fairer! I myself have taken advantage to get the missus a ticket ... and she’s only been to Derby once this season to see us thrashed by you lot! I’m not proud of doing so but some season ticket holders have been buying 5 or 6 extra tickets for family and friends while people who’ve been to 20 matches on a casual basis have got nothing! ☹️
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Form goes out of the window in a one off final it wont be like our two games against you earlier this season it will be a lot closer.
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Why are Derby season ticket holders allowed to buy so many tickets? Haven’t the club restricted numbers per season ticket holder at all?
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2018/19 Season Ticket Holders & 2019/20 New Season Ticket Holders (one ticket per Fan ID) | On sale 17th May 2019 (10am)
2018/19 Home Members & Final Three Game Plan Holders (one ticket per Fan ID) | On sale 17th May 2019 (10am)
General Sale with valid Fan ID & ticket purchase history on DCFC's ticket database (two tickets per Fan ID) | On sale 19th May 2019 (2pm)
Any memberships then 2nd window any history whatsoever, two per ID - That is pretty bonkers and would surely stop some louder irregular fans with more day trippers getting in....
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Well done my Villa friends.. just leaving Wembley, you just about deserved it. A shame Frank didn’t wake up to our attacking potential until it was too late. Can’t legislate for a keeping gaffe like that though can you? Strange game in many respects- neither keeper had a fat lot to do! But you had a definite edge up till 2-0, then defended well when we finally went for it. Thought El Ghazi was actually the MoM.
For you the riches of the Prem.. hopefully you can now hang onto young Jack and some of your other stars. Plenty to build on. For us, I fear it may be a while before we are back in this sort of platform sadly.. Good luck next season Villa. At least my missus is deliriously happy, so can’t ever too bad a thing! 😉
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You'll be very competitive next season Ramsfan. Derby are in good hands and Frank needs another season there to keep making progress. The sides in the league that have gone down and come up aren't anything to be feared. Our very best wishes to you and the Derby fans.
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We felt like this last year and look what happened.
Backing you for promotion next season
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Best of luck next season. The Prem needs more Midlands teams with rich history.
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For what it's worth I was glad to see that it was Villa and Derby in the final over those other two shit house clubs. Obviously on the Villa front I'm biased but Derby are a classier outfit than those two. Lampard was a player I always admired. Even at the height of Chelsea villainy and all that bollocks that surrounded the club for many years, he was never that panto villain that players like Cashley or Terry was (call me fickle, but oddly my opinion of Terry has changed a bit. lol).
When players turn to management so quickly there's always a likelihood of disaster. He's had his moments, but given the emphasis on having to promote youth and it being his first season, I think he's done very well. He's got potential so I'd expect Derby to be pushing top 6 again next season. I think you've got a decent young manager. He'll learn. Obviously you'll always have the concern his head gets turned if he has a standout season.
I'd agree it was an odd game. For one without a huge amount of shots on target, it was still very engaging. Had a good pace to it. Because you guys try to play football, I think that actually suited us. Whereas we'd have struggled against Leeds being very physical (polite way of saying pure thuggery).
Good luck next season mate. Hopefully you'll get another shot at Wembley.
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For what it’s worth, I agree. I think you’ll be chasing promotion next year and would love to see Derby back in the Premier League.
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Rams fans good luck next season mate but today you were done.
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A very respectful post. Really hope you get promoted next season.
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I’m so glad we got to play Derby in the final as opposed to those bitter fucks Leeds.
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Best of luck to a Derby next year. I’d really like to see Keogh get promoted.
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Have to give them a lot of credit for keeping going at 2 down, would've been easy to just down tools and accept their fate at that point, guess the Leeds comeback gave them the belief to keep going.
Have to say amazed they didn't start Marriott, we dealt with Mason Bennett very easily.
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Well done my Villa friends.. just leaving Wembley, you just about deserved it. A shame Frank didn’t wake up to our attacking potential until it was too late. Can’t legislate for a keeping gaffe like that though can you? Strange game in many respects- neither keeper had a fat lot to do! But you had a definite edge up till 2-0, then defended well when we finally went for it. Thought El Ghazi was actually the MoM.
For you the riches of the Prem.. hopefully you can now hang onto young Jack and some of your other stars. Plenty to build on. For us, I fear it may be a while before we are back in this sort of platform sadly.. Good luck next season Villa. At least my missus is deliriously happy, so can’t ever too bad a thing! 😉
Thanks chap. Thought the best team won (removing my claret & blue specs for a minute) despite you giving us a game in the last 10 mins. All the best for next season - tbf you should piss it after that performance.
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Well done my Villa friends.. just leaving Wembley, you just about deserved it. A shame Frank didn’t wake up to our attacking potential until it was too late. Can’t legislate for a keeping gaffe like that though can you? Strange game in many respects- neither keeper had a fat lot to do! But you had a definite edge up till 2-0, then defended well when we finally went for it. Thought El Ghazi was actually the MoM.
For you the riches of the Prem.. hopefully you can now hang onto young Jack and some of your other stars. Plenty to build on. For us, I fear it may be a while before we are back in this sort of platform sadly.. Good luck next season Villa. At least my missus is deliriously happy, so can’t ever too bad a thing! 😉
You're a better man than me. I wouldn't be anywhere near a Derby messageboard had we lost.
Hopefully Mount and a few more of that lot will give you at least another year. Would be far better for them than being in the stiffs at Chelsea. Would be nice to see a manager at that level allowed to build something n'all.
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Have never had a problem with Derby County going all the way back to Brian Clough, Kevin Hector, Roy McFarland and Charlie George etc., and with fans like yourself Ramsfan I never will. You've showed a lot of class coming on here and your team fully deserved to be at Wembley today. Had my doubts about Lampard when appointed but he did what he was asked to do, you tried to play football with a cracking young team and you'll be back up top next season. A class team, with class fans and a very gracious owner going on events after the final whistle. Good luck next season.
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Just heard Frank Lampard interviewed on talksport, credit to him for not trying to claim the 2nd goal was a foul on the keeper.
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Have never had a problem with Derby County going all the way back to Brian Clough, Kevin Hector, Roy McFarland and Charlie George etc., and with fans like yourself Ramsfan I never will. You've showed a lot of class coming on here and your team fully deserved to be at Wembley today. Had my doubts about Lampard when appointed but he did what he was asked to do, you tried to play football with a cracking young team and you'll be back up top next season. A class team, with class fans and a very gracious owner going on events after the final whistle. Good luck next season.
This.
PS Thrash Blues and Albion for us next season! ;)
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We live in Kettering, and the train line is on the way from Derby to London St Pancras, and so was packed with Rams fans both ways. I have to say a nicer, funnier, more pleasant bunch I haven't met in a long time. Knowledgable, humorous and without any trace of animosity whatsoever. All of their fans congratulated us and were a real pleasure to chat to. A credit to their club, and I therefore hope they stroll the Championship next season.
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Said before but I've always thought they have a better support than Forest do. Obviously Nottingham Forest have the prestige with the two european cups but their attendances generally float around 20-25k in mediocre seasons.
Derby can still pull in close to 30k and always had respect for them sticking with them after that awfull 11 point premier league season.
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We live in Kettering, and the train line is on the way from Derby to London St Pancras, and so was packed with Rams fans both ways. I have to say a nicer, funnier, more pleasant bunch I haven't met in a long time. Knowledgable, humorous and without any trace of animosity whatsoever. All of their fans congratulated us and were a real pleasure to chat to. A credit to their club, and I therefore hope they stroll the Championship next season.
On the other hand, the dozen or so bellends walking through the west side before the game chanting "shit on the Villa", well, I bet that was as much fun as they had all day. Never really minded Derby fans, but there were some proper nobs around the ground today. Still, I'm sure there were plenty of ours dragging our name through the mud as well.
My sympathies for living around Kettering, btw. ;) I was unfortunate enough to live down the road in Rushden at one point.
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There were, the 20 or so that tried to do their fan area and the twats bottling a coach full of scarfersfor starters. All clubs have bellends, especially for Wembley trips.
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Fair play Ramsfan for coming on here before and after the game.
My dad wanted me to watch the game in Alrewas , which seemed abad idea !
You’re a great traditional club, and play football the correct way.
I hope you keep Frank for one more season , and wish you the best for next season. 12 points against Baggies and Blues please. ♥️
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I did a charity collection a few years ago outside Pride Park. Not only were the Derby fans impeccably behaved but they were very generous, friendly and good-humoured.
Political leanings (which have no place in football anyway) aside, I always thought Lampard was a decent, intelligent and principled bloke.
Best of luck next season, I'd rather see Derby in the PL than 19 of the sides currently in it!
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Derby County, a decent club full of decent footballing watching people. Gracious in winning, gracious in defeat. I hope you and Frank stick together and come up next season. Make sure you beat pubehead home and away please!
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Cheers Ramsfan and met lots of your kind today and almost all of them were great.
We have our idiots too which should not detract from the way Derby fans represented their club.
I genuinely wish you well.
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Question: How the fuck did I get a hangover before I went to bed?
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Question: How the fuck did I get a hangover before I went to bed?
I asked the missus the same question, and she showed me a photo of myself and my brother clearly the worst for wear at 10 am this morning. Helpfully supplied time stamp and location as well. That's social media for you, grassing you up left, right and centre.
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I thought Lampard almost did a Bruce last season, gave us too much respect and tried to keep it tight rather than having a go until it was too late. Hopefully Derby can keep Lampard and use the loan market well and have another good crack at it. With Fulham keeping Scot Parker, Huddersfield looking quite poor I think only Cardiff will be massively dangerous from the relegated sides. Add in West Brom who should be top 6, Leeds again if the mad professor stays, maybe Bristol City and a couple more, but no reason Derby won't be in that top 6.
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I thought Lampard almost did a Bruce last season, gave us too much respect and tried to keep it tight rather than having a go until it was too late. Hopefully Derby can keep Lampard and use the loan market well and have another good crack at it. With Fulham keeping Scot Parker, Huddersfield looking quite poor I think only Cardiff will be massively dangerous from the relegated sides. Add in West Brom who should be top 6, Leeds again if the mad professor stays, maybe Bristol City and a couple more, but no reason Derby won't be in that top 6.
It was understandable really. When you lose to a team 3-0 and 4-0 in the season, its natural to want to curb your attacking instincts.
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Derby's a great club with a proud history. Best of luck best season, hope you get yourselves back where you belong.
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I’m just glad they knocked Leeds out and gave themselves a shot
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View from a friend of mine who is a Derby fan: "After a 3 hour train journey home standing up all the way and a good night's sleep, I can now say well done Villa. You were the better team and deserve to go up. We even stayed to clap them at the end.Derby would have been eaten alive in the prem. Great day out, drinking in the sun with good mates. All the fans were well behaved and I met some nice friendly villa fans. This is what football should be like. Same again next year. We'd rather be playing Luton away on a Tuesday night anyway 🤣."
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Credit where due, all the Derby fans we chatted with were friendly, respectful and not interested in antagonism. As we were to them.
Curious that quite a few said they didn’t want to go up as they weren’t ready for it. Neither are we but £170m can paper over a crack or two.
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Think lampard has his hardest task comes by up, picking up the scraps Good support from derby yesterday
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Coming out of Wembley Park at 8.30am yesterday, we had Rams fans wishing us good luck. Class support.
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Ironically Derby did a Bruce. Maybe it was because of two heavy defeats against us during the season but they paid us too much respect and played a form of Bruceball.
Lampard is a decent manager who will learn from yesterday so hopefully they will be up there again next season. Football needs it's traditional clubs to be successful and playing at the highest level. I'd rather see the a Derby and a Forest and a Sunderland up there than a Bournemouth, a Watford or a Brighton.
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Good luck to Derby next season. The "Frank Lampard's Derby" thing is a bit vommy, but gererally they are a decent cluub with decent fans and I'd like to see them in the PL.
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Cheers for all the good wishes by reply everyone. Horrible feeling waking up the day after a play off final defeat .. but somehow not quite as bad as 2014 when we were mugged last minute by Bobby Zamora! I agree that on balance you deserved the win, though I suspect when I watch it back (IF I can bring myself to), it was a game of very fine lines where a little bit of luck and a crass keeping error ultimately made the difference. But for your greater attacking intent you deserved your success... just such a shame from our perspective we didn’t go for it till too late as I actually think you were possibly there for the taking had FL shown a tad more ambition! As you say, I think the two league games dictated that more restrained approach.
I’ve enjoyed posting on here since you battered us at PP - which was when I put £50 on you to get promoted. Sadly, that didn’t include via the play offs .. 123 in the table only. 😓
Anyway, don’t think I’ll be back on here for a long while now.. just to reiterate what has been said about the relationship between the two clubs’ fans yesterday: for a game of that magnitude I thought both sets of fans were outstanding. Let’s not even worry about a few idiots either way... as someone said, EVERY club has those! Obviously I’m a bit biased, having a missus who’s Villa through and through, but I think your fans are great. I always find myself comparing you extremely favourably whenever we come across your blue friends home or away. Always left with the impression a large majority of them are classless thugs who don’t know a fat lot about the game and are there for a scrap!
I was stood for two hours on a train home last night in a dangerously-crammed carriage full of Villa and Derby, many of whom had been drinking since dawn. We were all having a great chat amongst ourselves to try and while away an horrendous journey (thanks West Midlands Trains!) At the end we all shook hands and wished each other well. That’s how it should be, but I couldn’t help thinking just what that journey would’ve been like If it had been Derby/ Leeds, Villa/Leeds or god forbid Villa/ Blues or Derby/Forest. Seriously think there’d be fatalities!
Good luck for 2019/20 Villa. With your new owners and magnificent support you’ll go from strength to strength. No doubt the wife will drag me along to a Prem game or two. Looking forward to it already! 😁
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Cheers mate. You've put some decent stuff on here recently credit to you. Totally agree about the fine margins thing. These occasions always hinge on a couple of moments that could go either way. Met some Derby fans yesterday after the game and theres definitely a mutual respect there. Unfortunately some Villa "fans"were itching for trouble but soon got shot down by the rest of us. As you say every club has em. Two shandys and they want to fight the world lol. Good luck going forward. I think FL will get you there. Look forward to us clashing in the Prem in the near future.
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I was stood for two hours on a train home last night in a dangerously-crammed carriage full of Villa and Derby, many of whom had been drinking since dawn. We were all having a great chat amongst ourselves to try and while away an horrendous journey (thanks West Midlands Trains!) At the end we all shook hands and wished each other well. That’s how it should be, but I couldn’t help thinking just what that journey would’ve been like If it had been Derby/ Leeds, Villa/Leeds or god forbid Villa/ Blues or Derby/Forest. Seriously think there’d be fatalities!
East Midlands Trains were abysmal yesterday. Surely it's not beyond the wit of somebody to realise that putting a few more carriages on the trains from Derby to London and back again on a day when 40,000 Derby fans are travelling to Wembley might not be a bad idea.
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Cheers for all the good wishes by reply everyone. Horrible feeling waking up the day after a play off final defeat .. but somehow not quite as bad as 2014 when we were mugged last minute by Bobby Zamora! I agree that on balance you deserved the win, though I suspect when I watch it back (IF I can bring myself to), it was a game of very fine lines where a little bit of luck and a crass keeping error ultimately made the difference. But for your greater attacking intent you deserved your success... just such a shame from our perspective we didn’t go for it till too late as I actually think you were possibly there for the taking had FL shown a tad more ambition! As you say, I think the two league games dictated that more restrained approach.
I’ve enjoyed posting on here since you battered us at PP - which was when I put £50 on you to get promoted. Sadly, that didn’t include via the play offs .. 123 in the table only. 😓
Anyway, don’t think I’ll be back on here for a long while now.. just to reiterate what has been said about the relationship between the two clubs’ fans yesterday: for a game of that magnitude I thought both sets of fans were outstanding. Let’s not even worry about a few idiots either way... as someone said, EVERY club has those! Obviously I’m a bit biased, having a missus who’s Villa through and through, but I think your fans are great. I always find myself comparing you extremely favourably whenever we come across your blue friends home or away. Always left with the impression a large majority of them are classless thugs who don’t know a fat lot about the game and are there for a scrap!
I was stood for two hours on a train home last night in a dangerously-crammed carriage full of Villa and Derby, many of whom had been drinking since dawn. We were all having a great chat amongst ourselves to try and while away an horrendous journey (thanks West Midlands Trains!) At the end we all shook hands and wished each other well. That’s how it should be, but I couldn’t help thinking just what that journey would’ve been like If it had been Derby/ Leeds, Villa/Leeds or god forbid Villa/ Blues or Derby/Forest. Seriously think there’d be fatalities!
Good luck for 2019/20 Villa. With your new owners and magnificent support you’ll go from strength to strength. No doubt the wife will drag me along to a Prem game or two. Looking forward to it already! 😁
All the best for next season and I hope Derby return to win the play offs next year as we have just done. Keep the faith and remember how grim last summer was for us and how unlikely promotion looked for us halfway through the season. Never stop believing.
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Derby seem decent sorts. We were there last season and bounced back, no reason why Derby can't do the same. Not many teams go and batter Leeds away from home under that sort of pressure.
Good luck for next season and hopefully see you in the top flight before too long.
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Ramsfan - many thanks for the great comments. Derby are heading in the right direction with young flair players. You will have your day of glory mate. Stick with it. And I can tell you one thing for certain, when you’ve been through the pain of missing out on promotion at Wembley, it just makes it all the more sweeter when you finally get over the line.
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Well said Rams fan
We walked away from the stadium up Wembley way and all we got was congratulations from the Rams fans - fair play to them all. Quite a few were also critical of the Derby line up and early tactics so it mirrors us last year even more so.
I worry that the media are trying to ignite the FL to Chelsea thing and I think it is inevitable at some point but would be too soon now. Lets see what he can do next season with the base he has laid and then hope you guys come up as well
Best of luck for next years matey
Oh and to put it into perspective at work today I spoke to a nose and all they could spit out was
"That greasy cheating twat will be off soon" "You were jammy and I bet you paid the keeper to chuck it in"
My reply was "Can you not be happy that our club has brought some pride back to midlands football instead of your lot only bringing shame and embarrassment"
after 10 seconds to think "Vile bastards" was the only retort ;D
Im sorry you have to endure these cretins for another season
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I was stood for two hours on a train home last night in a dangerously-crammed carriage full of Villa and Derby, many of whom had been drinking since dawn. We were all having a great chat amongst ourselves to try and while away an horrendous journey (thanks West Midlands Trains!) At the end we all shook hands and wished each other well. That’s how it should be, but I couldn’t help thinking just what that journey would’ve been like If it had been Derby/ Leeds, Villa/Leeds or god forbid Villa/ Blues or Derby/Forest. Seriously think there’d be fatalities!
East Midlands Trains were abysmal yesterday. Surely it's not beyond the wit of somebody to realise that putting a few more carriages on the trains from Derby to London and back again on a day when 40,000 Derby fans are travelling to Wembley might not be a bad idea.
I live in London so you'd think it would be piss easy to get to Wembley.
1) I arrive at South Ealing station to get on the Piccadilly line but find that it's closed so I have to catch a bus to Ealing Broadway for the Central Line
2) I arrive at Ealing Broadway to find there have been no Central trains for 45 minutes and they don't know when there will be one so I have to catch a train to Paddington
3) At Paddington I get on a Bakerloo Line train to Wembley Central. I seem to be the only Villa fan on a train full of Derby supporters but fortunately the stick I get is good natured.
4) Halfway through the journey, the train inexplicably terminates and we all have to get off and wait for another train that will take us the rest of the way.
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Ramsfan your fellow Derby fans I met and spoke to yesterday showed the same class as you have shown on here. Total respect to you and your team. Proper tight game yesterday and I agree you probably showed us too much respect. But as we did, last year, pick yourselves up and do it again, only better.
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I was stood for two hours on a train home last night in a dangerously-crammed carriage full of Villa and Derby, many of whom had been drinking since dawn. We were all having a great chat amongst ourselves to try and while away an horrendous journey (thanks West Midlands Trains!) At the end we all shook hands and wished each other well. That’s how it should be, but I couldn’t help thinking just what that journey would’ve been like If it had been Derby/ Leeds, Villa/Leeds or god forbid Villa/ Blues or Derby/Forest. Seriously think there’d be fatalities!
East Midlands Trains were abysmal yesterday. Surely it's not beyond the wit of somebody to realise that putting a few more carriages on the trains from Derby to London and back again on a day when 40,000 Derby fans are travelling to Wembley might not be a bad idea.
I live in London so you'd think it would be piss easy to get to Wembley.
1) I arrive at South Ealing station to get on the Piccadilly line but find that it's closed so I have to catch a bus to Ealing Broadway for the Central Line
2) I arrive at Ealing Broadway to find there have been no Central trains for 45 minutes and they don't know when there will be one so I have to catch a train to Paddington
3) At Paddington I get on a Bakerloo Line train to Wembley Central. I seem to be the only Villa fan on a train full of Derby supporters but fortunately the stick I get is good natured.
4) Halfway through the journey, the train inexplicably terminates and we all have to get off and wait for another train that will take us the rest of the way.
The Central line is quite possibly the worst mode of transport in western Europe.
Always seems to be banjaxed at weekends for 'essential repairs.'
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Good luck to you next season Ramsfan, good to know there are decent supporters out there who don't turn a football debate into petty point scoring . Hope you keep hold of your manager and a couple of your loanees, you take twelve points off our nearest and dearest and join us in 2020.
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Yep, Villa went one better this season, Derby can go one better next season.
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I was stood for two hours on a train home last night in a dangerously-crammed carriage full of Villa and Derby, many of whom had been drinking since dawn. We were all having a great chat amongst ourselves to try and while away an horrendous journey (thanks West Midlands Trains!) At the end we all shook hands and wished each other well. That’s how it should be, but I couldn’t help thinking just what that journey would’ve been like If it had been Derby/ Leeds, Villa/Leeds or god forbid Villa/ Blues or Derby/Forest. Seriously think there’d be fatalities!
East Midlands Trains were abysmal yesterday. Surely it's not beyond the wit of somebody to realise that putting a few more carriages on the trains from Derby to London and back again on a day when 40,000 Derby fans are travelling to Wembley might not be a bad idea.
I live in London so you'd think it would be piss easy to get to Wembley.
1) I arrive at South Ealing station to get on the Piccadilly line but find that it's closed so I have to catch a bus to Ealing Broadway for the Central Line
2) I arrive at Ealing Broadway to find there have been no Central trains for 45 minutes and they don't know when there will be one so I have to catch a train to Paddington
3) At Paddington I get on a Bakerloo Line train to Wembley Central. I seem to be the only Villa fan on a train full of Derby supporters but fortunately the stick I get is good natured.
4) Halfway through the journey, the train inexplicably terminates and we all have to get off and wait for another train that will take us the rest of the way.
You never write, you never call.
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I thought Lampard almost did a Bruce last season, gave us too much respect and tried to keep it tight rather than having a go until it was too late. Hopefully Derby can keep Lampard and use the loan market well and have another good crack at it. With Fulham keeping Scot Parker, Huddersfield looking quite poor I think only Cardiff will be massively dangerous from the relegated sides. Add in West Brom who should be top 6, Leeds again if the mad professor stays, maybe Bristol City and a couple more, but no reason Derby won't be in that top 6.
It was understandable really. When you lose to a team 3-0 and 4-0 in the season, its natural to want to curb your attacking instincts.
I thought Lampard bottled it a bit really. Wembley in May isn't a stage for veterans and I couldn't believe he went with Huddlestone/Johnson in midfield. No pace at all. Reminded me of Jedinak last summer.
Up front Bennett was miles out of his depth against Mings. At half time they were in huge trouble but again Lampard was very cautious making no changes until the second went in. He must have made three subs in 15 mins then, something like Bruce would do. All made an impact in fairness. Occasion seemed a bit too much for the likes of Mount, Wilson and Lawrence but their cautious tactics didn't help matters.
I really thought at 2-0 we were going to crucify them but nerves started to kick in.
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My daughter and her boyfriend have just got back from a week in Cornwall. She said they watched the game in a pub that was full of derby fans. They had great banter during the game and at the end all the derby fans shock their hands and wished the villa well. In her words they were 'top draw' fans.
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My daughter and her boyfriend have just got back from a week in Cornwall. She said they watched the game in a pub that was full of derby fans. They had great banter during the game and at the end all the derby fans shock their hands and wished the villa well. In her words they were 'top draw' fans.
I got chatting to a few at Wembley and my sentiments.
Decent folk.
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My daughter and her boyfriend have just got back from a week in Cornwall. She said they watched the game in a pub that was full of derby fans. They had great banter during the game and at the end all the derby fans shock their hands and wished the villa well. In her words they were 'top draw' fans.
I got chatting to a few at Wembley and my sentiments.
Decent folk.
We watched it in Joyce’s Bar in Madrid, about 15 Villa and two Derby based junior football teams and their families who were on tour so about 30 of them in total. Great banter, we did all the singing but nothing but respect for them and likewise them for us. Everyone shook hands at the end and wished the other well for next season.We all saw the game as a poker hand with winner going all in and taking everything with the loser going backwards possibly five years.