Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on May 03, 2025, 06:36:06 PM
-
Monday 5th May KO 3pm. Tickets are just £1 !
A big crowd expected. Over 16k sold already
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2025/april/29/FA-Youth-Cup-final-tickets/
As in 2021, 2002, 1980, and most famously in 1972...it's going be our year !
Come on me Villa Babbies !
-
When Wifey buys tickets for me and the kids on her laptop, she always asks ‘which card am I paying for these with?’, meaning which of MY cards.
When she got to checkout for these ones, she saw the £3 total and said ‘I’ll treat you to these’.
The tight get.
-
Can anybody recommend parking in Holte End side of ground tomorrow given smaller crowd than usual?
I usually park on the other side of the ground
-
Kids, adults and animals each for a quid. All welcome.
-
Sold out now apparently
-
Will it be on any TV? Sky used to show both legs of the final.
Is it one leg?
-
Will it be on any TV? Sky used to show both legs of the final.
Is it one leg?
It's a one off game. You can get it on YouTube or the FA website.
https://www.thefa.com/news/2025/may/01/aston-villa-v-manchester-city-fa-youth-cup-final-live-report-2025
-
Sold out now apparently
They were selling Holte lower yesterday. They are opening up a few blocks at a time, three middle blocks of upper Holte now on sale.
-
Sold out now apparently
They were selling Holte lower yesterday. They are opening up a few blocks at a time, three middle blocks of upper Holte now on sale.
Ah ok, trying to convince my lad to go
-
Why do we get to be at home for the final? Fucking big team bias as per.
-
Family trip and we are off to see it today. Hope we can beat the 115ers
-
Setting off for the match now. Will try to post if band width allows.
-
Free to watch here
https://www.youtube.com/live/fN8Qp3wocAo
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GqLtlhmXIAAr0kB?format=jpg&name=small)
-
Big queue to get in the Villa store. Looks like a decent crowd.
-
Manchester City team
https://x.com/ManCityAcademy/status/1919376536588661079?t=Wzs48tk8FYeTl39BG0mUgg&s=19
Your City side for this afternoon's FA Youth Cup final
XI | Whatmuff, Parker, Noble, Mfuni, Braithwaite (C), Miles, Dunbar-McDonald, Gorman, Warhurst, Mukasa, R. Heskey.
SUBS | Hudson, Fletcher, Midwood, F. Samba, Drake, Thomas, Henderson-Hall.
-
Attendance is expected to be between 23-25k.
-
I wonder how much grief Whatmuff got at school.
-
(https://i.ibb.co/My8DQ82Y/20250505-143231.jpg) (https://ibb.co/My8DQ82Y)
North stand and Witton Lane not in use. Looking like it will be fairly full Holte and Trinity
-
I wonder how much grief Whatmuff got at school.
Well we know what he didn’t get any of!
I’ll get my coat..
-
Manchester City team
https://x.com/ManCityAcademy/status/1919376536588661079?t=Wzs48tk8FYeTl39BG0mUgg&s=19
Your City side for this afternoon's FA Youth Cup final
XI | Whatmuff, Parker, Noble, Mfuni, Braithwaite (C), Miles, Dunbar-McDonald, Gorman, Warhurst, Mukasa, R. Heskey.
SUBS | Hudson, Fletcher, Midwood, F. Samba, Drake, Thomas, Henderson-Hall.
Is Heskey the over age player.
-
Emile's son.
-
Looks like we won't have as many fireworks. I expect it is because the opposition isn't Liverpool.
-
White smoke..we've got a new pope !
-
FA have got spared no expense and got Alan Partridge out of sporting retirement to commentate.
-
Mukasa is the one to watch of theirs.
-
Some fans don't know what silence is do they?
-
How fucking hard is it to do silence.
-
Remembrance for Peter and Jake. A bit mixed up as crowd started applause before announcer said “a minute of silence”.
-
That was shit
-
FFS. What was that?
-
Dreadful start after pass out from our keeper
-
Mistake and unmarked
-
first shot on target?
-
Get innnnn
-
Mistake and unmarked
Unmarked because the defence split out for easy passes and keeper picks put the only player in midfield which was one of theirs.
-
1-1
-
Well. Well.
-
Good quick response
-
Seems both defences are shit.
-
If this is the standard of goalkeeping it's going to finish 10-9.
-
What a start!!
-
Book him FFS.
-
Is Bosnich in goal for us?
-
The one commentator isn't even pretending not to be supporting the Emirati youth.
-
City wankfest on commentary.
-
Great tackles
-
Both number 6s are good players.
-
Great defending in the end.
-
Brilliant tackle from the right-back. And nice intervention afterwards as well.
-
It’s the ball out to their number 11 time after time that’s a problem for us.
-
Heskey destroying us, fortunately his team mates finish about as well as his dad.
-
Hate to say it but they seem better than us. Unless our kids have got Villa biggameitus already.
-
Their keeper saves them.
-
Like the look of Burrowes.
-
I don’t know. I like our No.7 and every corner we seem a threat!
-
Wow…,cracker
-
Yaaass
-
What a shot.....
-
EAT MY GOAL!
-
what a fucking goal
-
What a strike!....
-
Carl is the scorer
-
Hate to say it but they seem better than us. Unless our kids have got Villa biggameitus already.
I knew that would work.
-
Foot like a traction engine.
-
Fuck sake. Commentator obviously knows nothing. Didn't mention McParland originally and not doesn't realise Rogers does that AND used to do it first.
-
You can't beat someone absolutely TWATTING it in.
-
Some lovely play from us when on the ball.
-
should have played like this against palace :)
-
Wow, the ref really called the awful pass back as a foul?
-
This commentary reminds me of the one in Escape To Victory.
-
Fuck sake. Commentator obviously knows nothing. Didn't mention McParland originally and not doesn't realise Rogers does that AND used to do it first.
He knows bugger all about Villa.
Negative comments about Proctor - no mention of the semi-final penalty shoot out.
-
Commentator getting into vinegar strokes whenever they cross the halfway line.
-
Clive Allen talking well about us, other bloke is a twat.
-
Oooh, sounds like the Citeh team have an easier division to play in then the Villa one.
-
Got away with that
-
Their only real chances come from when we pass the ball to them on the edge of the box. Number 4 did really well to recover it though after that pass.
-
Playing em off the park now.
-
Got away with that
Not sure why the lad passed from a better position?
-
Fuck sake. Commentator obviously knows nothing. Didn't mention McParland originally and not doesn't realise Rogers does that AND used to do it first.
He knows bugger all about Villa.
Negative comments about Proctor - no mention of the semi-final penalty shoot out.
I don't really want to be fair to this commentator but he did mention the penalty saves quietly on.
-
Fuck sake. Commentator obviously knows nothing. Didn't mention McParland originally and not doesn't realise Rogers does that AND used to do it first.
He knows bugger all about Villa.
Negative comments about Proctor - no mention of the semi-final penalty shoot out.
I don't really want to be fair to this commentator but he did mention the penalty saves quietly on.
Only because Clive prompted him about it.
-
Fuck sake. Commentator obviously knows nothing. Didn't mention McParland originally and not doesn't realise Rogers does that AND used to do it first.
He knows bugger all about Villa.
Negative comments about Proctor - no mention of the semi-final penalty shoot out.
I don't really want to be fair to this commentator but he did mention the penalty saves quietly on.
Only because Clive prompted him about it.
Come to think of it, you"re right. Bollocks to him then.
-
Enjoyable half, caused them plenty of problems. Caused a few for ourselves as well.
-
enjoyed that
-
2-1 at half time, nothing to fear from these at all. Villa have more in the tank.
-
Excellent watch. Very incisive moving the ball forward and some lovely triangles.
-
Really good to watch, we’ve got some great lads coming through
-
Great character to bounce back from early disaster. Feel like they're quite capable of scoring so we probably need at least another goal. Thankfully we seem to have some attacking stars of our own.
-
I last watched an FA Youth Cup Final at Villa Park with my dad. We won against Everton and his assessment on the way home was that Rooney was shit and would never be as good as Stefan Moore.
-
Clive Allen talking well about us, other bloke is a twat.
Completely fawning over them, getting on my nerves.
-
The commentator in the semi final against Man Utd was worse, unless it's the same one.
-
Clive Allen mentioned that Villa Park was one of his favourite grounds as a player, aye you bastard I well remember the opening day of 86-87.
-
He did score forty-nine that season, to be fair, so it wasn't just us.
-
Despite the error earlier I like Proctor’s distribution.
-
Clive Allen mentioned that Villa Park was one of his favourite grounds as a player, aye you bastard I well remember the opening day of 86-87.
First season ticket after a few years of going to a good few games a season, dreams crushed by Allen!!
-
Heskey has been very good.
-
Lot of pressure from Abu boys in the last 10 mins
-
We seem to be either tiring or Citeh have changed it slightly and we aren't getting through them as easily.
-
Heskey has been very good.
Is he a namesake of Emile or related do you know?
-
We keep giving it away so quickly.
-
Heskey has been very good.
Is he a namesake of Emile or related do you know?
His son
-
Heskey has been very good.
Is he a namesake of Emile or related do you know?
Related. Same as his brother from last season for them. I would state this one seems better as a footballer.
-
We seem to be either tiring or Citeh have changed it slightly and we aren't getting through them as easily.
Citeh have changed it.
-
That’s a close relationship however he doesn’t fall over as much
-
Cotcher has had nothing in the way of touches; reminds me of Watkins - lots of selfless effort.
-
Goooooool
-
Goalalalalallal
-
BOOM!
-
Another great goal
-
Fuck me that's another corker!
-
Great goal. Slight delection maybe? Edit. No, aimed for.
-
Cracking goal...
-
another cracker
-
What a fantastic goal. No wonder Unai includes him in our mens squad.
-
What a great finish.
-
We keep giving it away so quickly.
My jinxing is working a treat.
-
Superb strike
-
Heskey has been very good.
Is he a namesake of Emile or related do you know?
His son
Fair play, thanks. He looks a good player.
-
You beauty!!!!
-
It makes a refreshing change to watch a game that isn't constantly interrupted by fouling, diving, and general shithousing.
-
2 goals ahead against a side from Manchester. Nothing to worry about last 20 mins.
-
It makes a refreshing change to watch a game that isn't constantly interrupted by fouling, diving, and general shithousing.
Quite happy to see twenty odd minutes of shithousing now, mind. Get Martinez on...
-
Superb goal. Take a bow son.
-
Cotcher is doing a decent job of time wasting.
-
Superb goal. Take a bow son.
Great touch.
-
Proctor seems determined to gift more goals.
-
It’s impressive how we seem to play exactly the way the first team do. Some great stuff cutting through their lines.
-
Proctor seems determined to gift more goals.
Stop it. He’s world’s number 3.
-
It’s impressive how we seem to play exactly the way the first team do. Some great stuff cutting through their lines.
I was just thinking the same. There's the stamp of Emery on the way these kids are playing. As a club, we finally have a distinctive identity on the pitch.
-
last two goals
Brannigan
https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1919404572335849599
JJA
https://x.com/AVFCStatto/status/1919415405413581282
-
Partridge is just so in love with Citeh.
-
Jesus wept has this commentator got a season ticket at the Emptihad?
-
They'd have to pull a knife out to get booked.
-
The City brand couldn't finish their dinner today.
-
Clive is just picking up the good play from both sides and is very fair, the other geezer wants his job back on City TV.
-
The City brand couldn't finish their dinner today.
Shush!
-
:Jesus wept has this commentator got a season ticket at the Emptihad?
He's just willing C115ty to get a goal.
-
Attendance announced at over 25000.
-
Attendance announced at over 25000.
Or "over twenty thousand" as the commentator puts it.
-
Attendance announced at over 25000.
Or "over twenty thousand" as the commentator puts it.
Yep. Maybe it was more then at Citeh last season so had to denigrate it.
-
25210 I think announcer said.
-
It’s impressive how we seem to play exactly the way the first team do. Some great stuff cutting through their lines.
and man city like their first team zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
-
25210 I think announcer said.
25073 (or that is what it sounded like over the stream.)
-
Well done, Broomfield.
-
Well cleared Teddy
-
Bloomfield has been immense at the back since he came on.
-
Five added on.
-
What was the added on time, Clive spoke over the top of it.
Edit: ta
-
What was the added on time, Clive spoke over the top of it.
Sounded like five.
-
mike fcuking summerbee, the gallagher brothers , martin lewis . timothy dalton , ricky hatton , jackie chan , johnny marr , guardiola and Ice Cube .... your boys took a fcuking beating from the Villa boys ...... :)
-
CHAMPIOOOONEEEEESSSS!
-
The City brand couldn't finish their dinner today.
Shush!
Told you!
-
Yes! Marvellous stuff.
-
Should be about it.
No matter how much they keep on going on about Citeh in their league, we have beaten both 1st and 2nd in that division. So just states to me their league is weaker then ours.
-
We'll be running round the Bullring!
-
Oh wowwww. Well done the Villa babbies. Brilliant 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻
-
Well done the Babbies. Thoroughly deserved.
-
Surprisingly comfortable second half against a talented side. Well done you Villa babbies.
-
'Bloomfield, bring your boots on Saturday son'
-
two cracking goals too .. that Brannigan one was sublime
-
Fucking heroes, love it.
-
"Citeh players have been kind to let the Villa players celebrate".
WTF, what would you expect them to be doing?
-
'Bloomfield, bring your boots on Saturday son'
we can let Luka go now :)
-
Very good performance indeed.
Particular mentions for Hemmings, Burrowes, Brannigan and Borland: they were our key players, although the 2 CB's also played well.
Jimoh-Aloba seemed to have been a marked man: Citeh doubled up on him all the time; and even then he still scored the 3rd goal.
-
last goal was very Rashford
-
Grudging praise trom the twat on commentary.
Emphasising that it was City that lost rather than Villa winning.
Biased bastard.
-
"Citeh players have been kind to let the Villa players celebrate".
WTF, what would you expect them to be doing?
Well, when they won a trophy against us their supporters ran on and assaulted one of our players, so maybe they think that's traditional?
-
We aren't giving ManC enough credit on here.
-
good to see morgan
-
Morgan and JJ congratulating the team.
-
Nice to see JJ and Rogers there.
-
We aren't giving ManC enough credit on here.
We gifted them the first goal, and tried twice more to ensure the match was competitive. Not our fault they don't like charity.
-
Has John Terry turned up in a Villa kit yet?
-
Has John Terry turned up in a Villa kit yet?
Noticed some of the non playing members changing into the kit so thought he might have been.
-
least we saw one cup win
-
I was very impressed with that team performance. Having read the article in today's Times about Man City's team on a 27-match winning, I went along thinking we would lose.
They exerted some concerted pressure in the last 15 mins as expected, but they rarely looked like scoring.
Well done!
-
Nice for the commentator to assume we won't win it again for 4 years.
-
might have to get my hair plaited now
-
they will be getting pissed on Monster energy drinks tonight
-
Great stuff. 🙌
-
On the ferry to Belfast, might as well be on the moon with the signal
-
Nice for the commentator to assume we won't win it again for 4 years.
That's his subconscious anti-Villa bias coming out - again!
-
Superb performance by the Villa Babbies!
Looks good at VP! 🏆
-
I hope the families who went had a great day today even if it wasn't a great day weather wise.
-
A word for the camera director. They cut to a random woman in the crowd and missed the moment when the boys actually lifted the cup aloft!! You had one job.
-
That was great. They all played well but Bloomfield was immense when he came on.
-
A word for the camera director. They cut to a random woman in the crowd and missed the moment when the boys actually lifted the cup aloft!! You had one job.
And followed up by the director cutting away from us raising it to the Holte End as well.
-
A word for the camera director. They cut to a random woman in the crowd and missed the moment when the boys actually lifted the cup aloft!! You had one job.
https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1919425908223439159
-
Remembrance for Peter and Jake. A bit mixed up as crowd started applause before announcer said “a minute of silence”.
did same not happen for Gary Shaw when a minutes silence announced and nearly all the stadium gave applause instead. Disrespectful when they ask for a minutes SILENCE.
-
Their best players was Heskey first half and their keeper for keeping the score down. After that no one really.
-
.
-
A word for the camera director. They cut to a random woman in the crowd and missed the moment when the boys actually lifted the cup aloft!! You had one job.
And followed up by the director cutting away from us raising it to the Holte End as well.
Right for that we definitely ain't changing the date for the Tottenham game
-
A word for the camera director. They cut to a random woman in the crowd and missed the moment when the boys actually lifted the cup aloft!! You had one job.
And followed up by the director cutting away from us raising it to the Holte End as well.
Right for that we definitely ain't changing the date for the Tottenham game
Definitely
-
We showed great character and resilience to bounce back from the early clusterfuck.
Astonishingly effective in transition.
Great to watch.
-
There's only three clubs have won it more times than us now.
-
What a beautiful day. Villa won, kids got selfies with Brad Burrowes, and I know it won’t mean much to many, but there were absolutely loads more black and Asian families in the crowd than usual, which I loved.
-
What a beautiful day. Villa won, kids got selfies with Brad Burrowes, and I know it won’t mean much to many, but there were absolutely loads more black and Asian families in the crowd than usual, which I loved.
Very noticeable on the tv pictures. Great to see.
-
Very impressed with our use of "injuries" - of the tactical/shithousery - type to shut the game down, break up City's rhythm and give us time to regroup and get a bit of touchline coaching.
Proctor was very prominent in that regard.
Wonder who he learned from?
-
That's a fantastic achievement . Well done to them all .
-
A great win and occasion for the youths and the many families here today. Some cracking goals!
McGinn, Ramsey and Rogers were sat behind us in the Trinity.
Good for the lads to see them there and joining in the celebration on the pitch. UTV!
-
What a fantastic achievement from the boys. Something special to be that they should all be immensely proud of.
-
What a beautiful day. Villa won, kids got selfies with Brad Burrowes, and I know it won’t mean much to many, but there were absolutely loads more black and Asian families in the crowd than usual, which I loved.
Really good to hear.
Couldn’t convince my lad to go tonight, football snobbery, where was he on a rainy night in Stoke. Caught the last 15 on you tube, great stuff, great goals!!
-
Enjoyed that!
History tells us that perhaps one or two of the team will become a first team regular, but success at this level is fundamental when it comes to attracting more young talent and also helping to balance the PSR books.
-
What a beautiful day. Villa won, kids got selfies with Brad Burrowes, and I know it won’t mean much to many, but there were absolutely loads more black and Asian families in the crowd than usual, which I loved.
Really good to hear.
Couldn’t convince my lad to go tonight, football snobbery, where was he on a rainy night in Stoke. Caught the last 15 on you tube, great stuff, great goals!!
Would have gone of I'd have paid attention. Watched it on my phone in Attic. Glad it was awesome. Hopefully see some of these lads more I. The future.
-
Very impressed with our use of "injuries" - of the tactical/shithousery - type to shut the game down, break up City's rhythm and give us time to regroup and get a bit of touchline coaching.
Proctor was very prominent in that regard.
Wonder who he learned from?
Don't know if you saw the penalty shoot-out against United in the semi final but it was like a mini-Martinez.
-
Did brilliantly to turn around a very poor start. There were a few stray passes or into players who were under pressure.
I thought Man City were generally better on the ball but with little end product whereas Villa were a lot more incisive.
Burrows was always a threat, both full back were great second half and our number 8 stepped up and was more involved as well. There was a good run from the left in the second half by someone, he took a few players on and got in a great position to shoot, instead he played the pass to a player in a wider, worse position. Still, there were some lovely goals.
Great pricing by the Villa and the crowd was more noticeably, by me at least, diverse. Good way to spend a Bank Holiday.
-
Very impressed with our use of "injuries" - of the tactical/shithousery - type to shut the game down, break up City's rhythm and give us time to regroup and get a bit of touchline coaching.
Proctor was very prominent in that regard.
Wonder who he learned from?
Proctor managed to have cramp twice in the semi against that other team from Manchester just when we needed a break.
-
I hope you're not suggesting shenanigans. He could have died!
-
I hope you're not suggesting shenanigans. He could have died!
Of course not, I was just thankful thst he managed to recover from these near career ending cramps to be the hero in the penalty shoot out. The commentators were obviously Man Utd fans as they were well pissed off with his "injuries".
-
I said the same to my old man. Lots wearing colours and clearly all Villa fans. Loved seeing that.
-
Tremendous achievement. Well done to all the players and coaching staff. I have great memories of previous Youth Cup winning Villa sides and the players who went on to play in the first team. They fully deserve their trophy as they beat some fancied teams.
-
The young lad who came on as substitute at left back, Bloomfield, and made some great tackles is the nephew of the Luton manager, Matt Bloomfield.
I only know this as on the train to the game on Saturday there were a couple of blokes sat by me from Ipswich who were mates / family with Matt Bloomfield, as he is a local lad who started his career with them. They were going up to support Luton at the Albion.
-
Great day great performance great crowd.
Great win.
Fitting way to honour Mr McParland.
-
-
Brilliant effort by the staff and players.
I can't see any sign of their achievements on the BBC Sport website and wondered that if City had won, it would surely have got a mention.
-
Great win for our Babbies, they defended heroically second half and to be fair our keeper didnt have a lot to do.
Thought Heskeys lad was pretty wonderful first half, then completely anonymous second, For us No6 was my stand out.
I thought it remarkable how diverse the crowd was, loads and loads of Asian and Black families bringing along their kids to watch football, and certainly something for the club to understand and capitalise on. We looked pretty much the only group of middle aged white blokes, with my little un, in our block.
-
Brilliant effort by the staff and players.
I can't see any sign of their achievements on the BBC Sport website and wondered that if City had won, it would surely have got a mention.
You can guarantee if that had been Man U winning there’d have been a 3 article op-ed telling us all how it’s a repeat of the class of 92 and a shift in the balance of power in Manchester was incoming. However as Sexual never tires of saying until we start winning stuff and being relevant the BBC and the media more generally will keep ignoring us. Fuck’em.
-
Aye, I loved the sub left back, played like his gran had been taken hostage and he'd get her fingers through the post if we didn't win.
-
Lovely atmosphere today.
Enjoyed it v much.
Loved the kids in the Holte chanting clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap Villa!
Haven’t heard that for years. The days of air horns!
-
last two goals
Brannigan
https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1919404572335849599
JJA
https://x.com/AVFCStatto/status/1919415405413581282
Brannigan’s was very Tielemans-esque
-
Congrats chaps.
-
Get in. Well done lads, you delivered us a trophy. That 2nd goal, boooooom
-
When was the last time Villa Park had over 67k through the doors in just a little over 48 hours ?
-
I would guess it must be when we hosted an FA Cup semi-final the day before/after a home game.
-
When was the last time Villa Park had over 67k through the doors in just a little over 48 hours ?
Billy Graham?
-
2006 seems to be the answer. Lost at home to Man City on Tuesday when West Ham had beaten Boro on Sunday in the cup.
-
Happy to see how many noticed and welcomed the diverse nature of the crowd.
-
(https://i.ibb.co/SDJ3tFXx/IMG-20250505-WA0009.jpg) (https://ibb.co/SDJ3tFXx)
-
(https://i.ibb.co/CckGyVp/IMG-20250505-WA0008.jpg) (https://ibb.co/CckGyVp)
-
(https://i.ibb.co/TxQQD60Q/IMG-20250505-WA0010.jpg) (https://ibb.co/TxQQD60Q)
-
Thanks Lee. Those are my kids with the mural, and the selfies with Brad Burrowes.
-
My pleasure.
-
It's a pity Sky don't broadcast this anymore or an iplayer/ITV4 so it might have reached a bigger audience but it's a great day for the club.
Regular watchers of the yoof team (Larry Duff?), how does this crop compare to Chukwuemeka and the 2021 crew?
-
I know it was a bit of a longer distance but thought they might have run towards The Holte at the final whistle rather than towards the tunnel on the trinity side.
-
Probably where their family members were sitting.
-
Probably where their family members were sitting.
Probably. I just thought the chance to run towards a packed Holte End having just won a cup is a once in a lifetime thing. Spur of the moment I guess and it doesn’t really matter.
-
Game, result or report not on BBC or Sky anywhere
-
They were virtually all in that half weren’t they? The Witton End
Proctor took a goal kick and ref blew for full time.
So may have Ben natural to congregate there.
They all ran to the Holte after the Cup was presented!
-
Firstly the game was really enjoyable and some impressive bits of play and a couple of cracking goals. Was nice to finally see us lift some silverware in the flesh.
More generally I’m buzzing as I took my kids down for their first game. They’re at least the 5th generation of Villa from both sides of my family, and it was great to take them along with my dad. Felt great to take them and for them to enjoy it! (although as much for things like the beach ball flying about and booing the Man City keeper popping balloons as the actual football.)
I also wanted to highlight the multicultural crowd and how great it was. I was struck by what a friendly atmosphere it was, how mixed it was culturally, age wise, loads of families, women and girls.I was thinking how there’s no where else really where you’d get anything like that mix of people in anything like those numbers enjoying anything else together.
Gave me lots to feel good about on and off the pitch UTV!
-
Game, result or report not on BBC or Sky anywhere
Not even mentioned on sky sports news .
-
I also wanted to highlight the multicultural crowd and how great it was. I was struck by what a friendly atmosphere it was, how mixed it was culturally, age wise, loads of families, women and girls.I was thinking how there’s no where else really where you’d get anything like that mix of people in anything like those numbers enjoying anything else together.
Yup sport does that doesn't it, fantastic. As you mentioned it, that's another thing, not only the diversity of the crowd but that there were so many women there with the kids, plenty of which were wearing headscarves etc. When you think about its thats pretty incredible progress for the game
-
I also wanted to highlight the multicultural crowd and how great it was. I was struck by what a friendly atmosphere it was, how mixed it was culturally, age wise, loads of families, women and girls.I was thinking how there’s no where else really where you’d get anything like that mix of people in anything like those numbers enjoying anything else together.
Yup sport does that doesn't it, fantasticd. As you mentioned it, that's another thing, not only the diversity of the crowd but that there were so many women there with the kids, plenty of which were wearing headscarves etc. When you think about its thats pretty incredible progress for the game
Indeed. And for non-altruistic reasons, it’s great for the club too. Imagine how big the ground would have to be if everyone from Aston, Newtown, Winson Green, Lozells, Nechells, Alum Rock, Perry Barr and Handsworth wanted to go like they used to.
-
Its certainly a conunderum, Ive said for a while that the crowd seems pretty much to be getting older together, not surprising given the prices, particularly this year. Today was eye opening on what the potential could be, but what is affordable to what can come through, todays £1 isn't sustainable but whats the tipping point?
-
I agree with the above posts…It was great to see and hear so many first timers down the Villa today…quite a few asking stewards for help around VP today.
I think it would be a great idea to have say 2-300 tickets at discounted prices per home match in a ballot for local residents to apply for.
The financial hit would be a drop in the ocean for the club and we would be potentially gaining some supporters for life at VP
-
It was great to see and hear so many first timers down the Villa today…quite a few asking stewards for help around VP today.
I think it would be a great idea to have say 2-300 tickets at discounted prices per home match in a ballot for local residents to apply for.
The financial hit would be a drop in the ocean for the club and we would be potentially gaining some supporters for life at VP
Yes it would be a great idea, but I'm sure can all anticipate the somewhat depressing reaction there would be to this idea from some quarters.
-
Great photos, Percy.
-
I know it was a bit of a longer distance but thought they might have run towards The Holte at the final whistle rather than towards the tunnel on the trinity side.
From the pictures straight at the end, a few were celebrating with family in the trinity by the Tunnel, then they went up to the Holte for a celebration. Then went back to the Trinity tunnel for the presentation, then back to the Holte.
-
Great photos, Percy.
Thanks mate. My boy could have worn one of this year’s shirts, he’s got enough of the buggers. That’s what happens when they get old enough to dress themselves.
-
It was great to see and hear so many first timers down the Villa today…quite a few asking stewards for help around VP today.
I think it would be a great idea to have say 2-300 tickets at discounted prices per home match in a ballot for local residents to apply for.
The financial hit would be a drop in the ocean for the club and we would be potentially gaining some supporters for life at VP
Yes it would be a great idea, but I'm sure can all anticipate the somewhat depressing reaction there would be to this idea from some quarters.
It was bad enough on here when they did it.
-
It was great to see and hear so many first timers down the Villa today…quite a few asking stewards for help around VP today.
I think it would be a great idea to have say 2-300 tickets at discounted prices per home match in a ballot for local residents to apply for.
The financial hit would be a drop in the ocean for the club and we would be potentially gaining some supporters for life at VP
Yes it would be a great idea, but I'm sure can all anticipate the somewhat depressing reaction there would be to this idea from some quarters.
In fairness, some people here have been on the season ticket waiting list for quite some time now.
-
Game, result or report not on BBC or Sky anywhere
Not even mentioned on sky sports news .
I recall the final against Everton when Rooney played. They lost over two legs but within 18 months that turned into a win via a combination of Chinese whispers and lazy punditry.
-
5 plus years on the waiting list.
I went to the semi and the final, and 2 of the most enjoyable afternoons/ evenings I have had all year. A lot of focus on Jimoh Aloba because he has made his first team debut, but there are a number of that side that can go on and have really good careers in the game.
I really like the number 8 in midfield, looks to be able to do both sides of the game really well, Rowe at right back looks a player and the 2 centre halves impressed me in both games. Carroll especially.
-
Game, result or report not on BBC or Sky anywhere
Not even mentioned on sky sports news .
I recall the final against Everton when Rooney played. They lost over two legs but within 18 months that turned into a win via a combination of Chinese whispers and lazy punditry.
I remember watching both of those legs (at the time, the Moore brothers were touted as the "next big things" for us, so I wanted to see them in action), they both scored, but the reality is Rooney was head and shoulders above them (and fortunately for us, far too good for his own team mates as well). He was like a bloke playing against kids at times. Our best player, I thought, was the little lad in the middle who went on to have a pretty good International career, Steven Davis.
Five of that Youth Cup winning side went on to make first-team appearances for us (Ridgewell, Whittingham, Davis, Moore x 2). I'd love to think 5 of the current lot will go on to wear a first-team shirt, but that might be expecting too much given the level we're currently at.
The unfortunate reality is that this crop will probably be considered "successful" if they can generate more cash when sold than their 2021 counterparts. Sigh.
Fun fact, former Villan Steve Sidwell won the FA Youth Cup twice, with Arsenal, scoring in both legs of his first final when he was still a year younger than the other players.
-
Brilliant! Well done to the kids. XXX
At least one Villa team has won a trophy this season!
-
Game, result or report not on BBC or Sky anywhere
Now on the BBC. No idea why they've decided to focus on the Man City defeat rather than the team that actually won the trophy, mind...
Man City beaten in Youth Cup final by Aston Villa - https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cgjl3j8xqjvo
-
Game, result or report not on BBC or Sky anywhere
Now on the BBC. No idea why they've decided to focus on the Man City defeat rather than the team that actually won the trophy, mind...
Man City beaten in Youth Cup final by Aston Villa - https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cgjl3j8xqjvo
Click on the name of the person that wrote it, you see his other work and it becomes clear.
Maybe we'd have an in-house writer if the whole of BBC sport wasn't the propaganda arm for Manchester.
-
Ffs. What a load of pish.
-
Game, result or report not on BBC or Sky anywhere
Not even mentioned on sky sports news .
I recall the final against Everton when Rooney played. They lost over two legs but within 18 months that turned into a win via a combination of Chinese whispers and lazy punditry.
I remember watching both of those legs (at the time, the Moore brothers were touted as the "next big things" for us, so I wanted to see them in action), they both scored, but the reality is Rooney was head and shoulders above them (and fortunately for us, far too good for his own team mates as well). He was like a bloke playing against kids at times. Our best player, I thought, was the little lad in the middle who went on to have a pretty good International career, Steven Davis.
Five of that Youth Cup winning side went on to make first-team appearances for us (Ridgewell, Whittingham, Davis, Moore x 2). I'd love to think 5 of the current lot will go on to wear a first-team shirt, but that might be expecting too much given the level we're currently at.
The unfortunate reality is that this crop will probably be considered "successful" if they can generate more cash when sold than their 2021 counterparts. Sigh.
Fun fact, former Villan Steve Sidwell won the FA Youth Cup twice, with Arsenal, scoring in both legs of his first final when he was still a year younger than the other players.
However good Rooney was, they didn't win it.
-
Game, result or report not on BBC or Sky anywhere
Now on the BBC. No idea why they've decided to focus on the Man City defeat rather than the team that actually won the trophy, mind...
Man City beaten in Youth Cup final by Aston Villa - https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cgjl3j8xqjvo
Click on the name of the person that wrote it, you see his other work and it becomes clear.
Maybe we'd have an in-house writer if the whole of BBC sport wasn't the propaganda arm for Manchester.
Give it 12 months or so and they'll start saying that Stockport 115 won the fucking thing.
-
I always think Luke Moore, in particular, could have been far better with a better coach than O'Leary. Scored five goals in three games including a hat-trick at Middlesbrough, the stupid twat dropped him for the game after.
-
Game, result or report not on BBC or Sky anywhere
Now on the BBC. No idea why they've decided to focus on the Man City defeat rather than the team that actually won the trophy, mind...
Man City beaten in Youth Cup final by Aston Villa - https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cgjl3j8xqjvo
BBC is based in London and Manchester. They've invested around a billion quid of licence fee money into Media City in Salford and their focus is always on anything from Manchester if London isn't involved.
-
5 plus years on the waiting list.
I went to the semi and the final, and 2 of the most enjoyable afternoons/ evenings I have had all year. A lot of focus on Jimoh Aloba because he has made his first team debut, but there are a number of that side that can go on and have really good careers in the game.
I really like the number 8 in midfield, looks to be able to do both sides of the game really well, Rowe at right back looks a player and the 2 centre halves impressed me in both games. Carroll especially.
I really like the look of Rowe, I reckon he could be useful for the seniors already because he has everything you want from a modern full back.
-
Game, result or report not on BBC or Sky anywhere
Now on the BBC. No idea why they've decided to focus on the Man City defeat rather than the team that actually won the trophy, mind...
Man City beaten in Youth Cup final by Aston Villa - https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cgjl3j8xqjvo
Click on the name of the person that wrote it, you see his other work and it becomes clear.
Maybe we'd have an in-house writer if the whole of BBC sport wasn't the propaganda arm for Manchester.
Give it 12 months or so and they'll start saying that Stockport 115 won the fucking thing.
In the same article they say Man City have already won the league. Actually, they've won the North division and there's a good chance we'll win the South division and then we'll both play off against eachother. And the South is harder because you've got teams who have traditionally had good academies and some who are very good right now.
-
Game, result or report not on BBC or Sky anywhere
Now on the BBC. No idea why they've decided to focus on the Man City defeat rather than the team that actually won the trophy, mind...
Man City beaten in Youth Cup final by Aston Villa - https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cgjl3j8xqjvo
Click on the name of the person that wrote it, you see his other work and it becomes clear.
Maybe we'd have an in-house writer if the whole of BBC sport wasn't the propaganda arm for Manchester.
Give it 12 months or so and they'll start saying that Stockport 115 won the fucking thing.
In the same article they say Man City have already won the league. Actually, they've won the North division and there's a good chance we'll win the South division and then we'll both play off against eachother. And the South is harder because you've got teams who have traditionally had good academies and some who are very good right now.
not mentioning that we're top of the southern section is the worst part of that article because, even if you want to be as obviously biased as they have been, a line of "Man city may get a chance for revenge as soon as XX having already sealed the top spot in the northern group and with Villa currently leading in the south". That'd make it very clear that these are the 2 best academy teams in the country right now but the guy probably couldn't even be arsed to check.
-
This is pretty supportive of both teams, even if its a little light on the actual game
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-14680571/Aston-Villa-Man-City-win-FA-Youth-Cup.html
-
From The Athletic about the FA Youth Cup
HOW ASTON VILLA WON THE FA YOUTH CUP – AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR THE FUTURE
There were tears, singing in the changing room and, rather appropriately given their age, soft drinks hurled in the air.
Aston Villa’s under-18s had won their second FA Youth Cup in four years and the fifth in the club’s history following a 3-1 victory against Manchester City. Bass-heavy music pumped out of the Villa Park changing room where Jimmy Shan, Villa’s head coach, had invited his three sons to see “the carnage” of the celebrations.
“They are still partying, jumping around and playing music that isn’t my cup of tea,” he smiled. “They are buzzing.”
Villa’s youngsters bathed in a remarkable achievement, not just in winning silverware, but overcoming formidable opponents. Astonishingly, City had won their previous 26 straight games and won the league comfortably, so Villa’s triumph felt a major statement of intent.
Villa are gradually being regarded as among the most intelligent talent-spotters at youth level and, crucially, are harnessing those strengths with coaching that mirrors Unai Emery’s first-team principles.
The scale of achievement hit immediately.
Goalkeeper Sam Proctor, the hero in the semi-final penalty shootout against Manchester United, lay flat on his back and in tears at the full-time whistle. Meanwhile, his team-mates sprinted to the corner flag situated by the Trinity Road Stand, hugging and jumping on whoever was in sight.
The feeling was heightened by the final being played at Villa Park and in front of over 25,000 supporters. Friends and families of players nearby, most easily identifiable by what name they had on their Villa shirts, climbed down the stairs and towards the hoardings, bursting with pride.
Local first-team players Morgan Rogers and Jacob Ramsey had watched the game and went onto the pitch to congratulate the squad. Ramsey was born four miles away and came through the academy, while Rogers grew up in Halesowen, south-east Birmingham, having taken a detour to eventually end up at Villa.
Among Rogers’ backers at youth level were academy manager Mark Harrison and head of junior recruitment Steve Hopcroft. Both had identified Rogers aged seven when they had been at West Bromwich Albion and worked closely with the player over the next nine years.
Coinciding with Rogers’ move to — pertinently — Manchester City in 2019, Harrison and Hopcroft left to join Villa, where they were tasked with revamping the academy.
“I also worked with Morgan at West Brom and Mark has as well,” said Shan. “So it shows their (Rogers and Ramsey’s) character. They appreciate the academy programme and process and they want to share their joy and adulation with the boys.”
Harrison’s extensive knowledge — Rogers is not the first to have made the same move and credits Harrison as a chief influence in their formative years — was key in Villa and Emery building an overall view of the England international before signing him in January 2024. There are countless stories of how Villa went about reshaping their youth, be it leaning on West Brom’s personnel or the recruitment strategy aligned from the youngest age groups to senior level.
One of the recent successes is Aidan Borland. Villa had expressed an interest in signing the 17-year-old from Celtic in August 2023, and because data in youth football is difficult to obtain and usually does not exist until a player reaches age 17 or 18, scouting Borland was primarily based on the eye test.
The sight of Borland lifting the trophy, as captain, must have offered an immense source of pride for Villa’s close-knit circle of youth recruiters.
For Shan, the performance showed his squad’s mentality, given the setting and pressure.
“I know some players that have found it very difficult in big moments,” he told The Athletic. “The lads found a way, so it’s another one to tick off in their development. They’ve played in a big arena and they’ve had a lot of people watching them — it’s brilliant.”
Villa concentrated on defending in a compact shape while being aggressive upon turnovers, transitioning quickly and using the front line’s pace and power to attack the areas City were vulnerable.
Yet Shan wanted longer periods of possession to establish a platform for Villa’s attacking patterns. Increasingly, subtle movements started to mirror the first team, with Emery’s idiosyncratic formation of two No 10s and an overlapping left back becoming evident.
There was one passage that encapsulated “Aston Villa’s identity”, as Shan later described.
A throw-in on the halfway line ended up back with Proctor and coaxed City into pressing. This opened up space for Proctor to pass to central midfielder George Hemmings. The 18-year-old is viewed among Villa’s best talents, with his precocious press-resistant ability a standout attribute.
Hemmings’ first touch spun him away from pressure and, simultaneously, Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba, who had started as Villa’s left No 10, recognised the trigger to move from the left and inside the pitch, replicating Ramsey’s role in the first team.
This created a passing lane for Hemmings to bypass City’s midfield.
Before turning 18, Jimoh-Aloba, who joined in August 2023, having been at West Brom since the age of six, had played as a deep-lying or box-to-box midfielder. Under the instructions of Emery, however, he has transformed into a No 10, using his power and vision in higher areas.
In the example below, he carried the ball upfield and passed to Bradley Burrowes, who had kept width on the opposite flank. The attack ended with Burrowes stinging the palms of the City goalkeeper, Oliver Whatmuff.
“We try to steal a lot of what Unai does,” Shan admitted. “The first team have a unit model and we have one in the 18s. We’re all working towards an Aston Villa identity.”
The coaching staff’s recent intuitions regarding Jimoh-Aloba’s best position were vindicated for Villa’s third goal. Cutting inside onto his stronger right foot, he rifled a shot into the bottom left corner in front of the Holte End.
The noise that followed was the loudest of the day and reached the highest pitch in some time; on a Bank Holiday Monday and a £1 entrance fee, there were several young boys and girls in attendance and possibly visiting Villa Park for the first time.
There is a straightforward nature to Villa’s football department and a small circle of decision-makers, with Villa’s owners, Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris, made aware of every player signed, even ones as young as 14.
The club only recruit players in positions where they are short and never buy on top of players already in the position. That attracts youngsters to join them. Shan is also well thought of with players, praised for his ability to explain instructions clearly. In some ways, he replicates the role of a senior manager in his demands on and off the pitch. The coaching expertise at Villa chimes with a well-financed academy operation.
If Villa want to sign a player, there is less bureaucracy that goes on at other clubs. Often, discussions are straightforward, with recruiters backing themselves and their experience in recognising when they have spotted adept talent.
One example of this came 18 months ago when Villa identified Northern Ireland midfielder Cole Brannigan. He was an intelligent reader of play, capable of drifting into pockets with a deft technical ability. Villa soon decided to advance negotiations with his then-club, Linfield.
Brannigan’s strike to put Villa into the lead against City was equally a lesson in technique and instinct. Running onto a bouncing ball, Brannigan changed his step pattern ever so slightly, allowing him to arch his hips and direct the half volley on target.
The shot flew into the top left corner, and following initial celebrations, the sheer brilliance of Brannigan’s effort left team-mates looking for the big screens above, desperate to see a replay. Once they did, they clapped and shook their heads in disbelief.
“He has been special,” said Shan. “Breathtaking. I like Cole, he is a fantastic player. He probably needs a little bit more belief in himself because he does have the quality to make moments like that.”
History shows that winning FA Youth Cup sides produce players who end up forging highly successful careers. The next step for Villa and Emery is to integrate and develop a youngster in the first team, bearing the fruits of a now flourishing academy.
-
5 plus years on the waiting list.
I went to the semi and the final, and 2 of the most enjoyable afternoons/ evenings I have had all year. A lot of focus on Jimoh Aloba because he has made his first team debut, but there are a number of that side that can go on and have really good careers in the game.
I really like the number 8 in midfield, looks to be able to do both sides of the game really well, Rowe at right back looks a player and the 2 centre halves impressed me in both games. Carroll especially.
I really like the look of Rowe, I reckon he could be useful for the seniors already because he has everything you want from a modern full back.
I was less impressed with Rowe than I was expecting to be, although he grew into the game. Borland, Hemmings, Brannigan and Burrowes were the players that really caught the eye, with the 2 CBs also looking good.
-
Borland for me, I remember reading about getting him but I didn't make the link until reading above.
I expected to be impressed with the GK, I wasn't. Early days mind. I cant say any of them jumped out the way previous players have, maybe thats because they are now 'cogs in a machine'?
-
Borland for me, I remember reading about getting him but I didn't make the link until reading above.
I expected to be impressed with the GK, I wasn't. Early days mind. I cant say any of them jumped out the way previous players have, maybe thats because they are now 'cogs in a machine'?
Or the opposition was so good that it was a tough match. Sometimes at age group football a superstar stands out because so many others just won’t make it. That pitch was covered in talent so it was harder to spot.
I thought it was a superb game and both teams deserve huge credit.
-
Regarding lack of pressure coverage - other than the piece on the BBC by the bloke who only seems to write about C115ty, there's nothing in The Guardian or the i, but I found this on the Daily Blackshirt website
Aston Villa pip Man City to win the FA Youth Cup
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-14680571/Aston-Villa-Man-City-win-FA-Youth-Cup.html?ito=native_share_article-nativemenubutton
-
Borland for me, I remember reading about getting him but I didn't make the link until reading above.
I expected to be impressed with the GK, I wasn't. Early days mind. I cant say any of them jumped out the way previous players have, maybe thats because they are now 'cogs in a machine'?
Or the opposition was so good that it was a tough match. Sometimes at age group football a superstar stands out because so many others just won’t make it. That pitch was covered in talent so it was harder to spot.
I thought it was a superb game and both teams deserve huge credit.
That's absolutely it. A decade or more ago, youth cup final teams might be made up mostly of players who won't even have a professional career, with one or two on display who stand head and shoulders above the rest. Even in our losing finalists from 15 years ago (Troy Deeney's brother was our captain then), none of them came close to having a top-flight career. I think the best was probably Daniel Johnson with a decade or so in the Championship. The majority never played professionally at all. Compare that to our winning team from four years ago, I think all the starters are still playing professionally, with a few having top-flight careers already.
I think the money in the game these days has made a lot of teams focus on their academies more, and the standard of youth players has leapt up as a result. There are still special players at that level, obviously, but it's MUCH harder to stand out than it was 15-20 years ago. I also think the modern game is such that the VERY good 17 and 18-year-old's won't be in the youth team, they're playing in the first team.
-
I thought the standard was frighteningly good yesterday.