Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: ozzjim on May 02, 2013, 11:59:15 PM
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Lambert said today he thought and felt that the fans have got a really good bond with the team, and it is helping them home and away with such a clear backing. It got me thinking, that he is right in a large way, as for the first time in years I look through the squad and see potential and promise in all off them, and of the match day squad, there is not really a player I dislike.
Also, for the first time in a long time, apart from a fleeting season when Milly moved central, we have a true talisman at the moment, but there are 3-4 players who I think would push him hard close for the fans favourites.
So, is it solely down to the age of them, or is it down to something else that has got the crowd so onside, despite some pretty rotten results at times this season? For me I think one reason is the PR Lambert puts across, I think he has not stepped a foot wrong in his comments, and has created a very together feeling with the side and the fans, but there is clearly some kind of key ingredient that makes it tick at the moment.
I was delighted to see Lowton and Westwood mentioned by Lambert as just as deserving of improved terms as Benteke and Weimann. I would imagine Guzan too. Is it strange that in a side threatened all season by relegation, I think half the side deserve pay rises? It is a right odd situation, but I certainly feel more proud of this team when they win than of any for a long time.
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We had an awful record at defending set pieces last year, with Dunne Collins Warnock Hutton in the side.
Plus there were stories of bust ups under Ged, and that nightclub incident with Collins at the end of the season.
Its hard to like a team you think aren't giving it 100% and are a bunch of tossers to boot.
Compare that to this year, some of the same old failings are still there, but the attitude and effort isn't in question. Nor were there any reports of splits or feuds in the camp after the awful Dec/Jan we had.
Of everyone that started Monday (barring Vlaar), this club is their big break their first shot at the big time.
I think that's evident from how they conduct themselves on the pitch (effort) and off the pitch (treating the club with the proper respect). They're excited to be here, it isn't a last pay day etc.
I've responded to that.
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I think it's a combination of many things Louzie, most of which you mention. It's almost as if Lambert has made a list of all the things McLeish, Houllier, O'Neill and O'Leary should have done and ticked them off one by one. It's a pity he left 'give some team a total shellacing on Monday Night Football' until somewhere near the end.
With regards the pay rises, maybe it's fair to recognise that the players who are likely to get them are actually worth a good deal more than they are currently being paid regardless of where we currently are in the table. The lower paid ones are after all doing most of the work.
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Aside from the bit-parts played by Bent and CNZ, we've never seen any of them play against us. Not one of them. I love that. It does engender a feeling that they are "ours", that they truly are out there playing as if they were one of us, that they're all living our dream. And that in turn goes a long way towards this feeling of us all being in this together, that we all want them to succeed, and they in turn want to succeed for us as much as for themselves.
I like to believe that Lambert considers character and attitude to be as much parts of a player's make-up as ability. Doing so, he has assembled a side who appear to want to play for Aston Villa, to play for us as much as just wanting to play football. I doubt that any arrivals over the summer shall not fit into this ethos.
I believe that we will be successful in the not too distant future, and when that day comes, all this will make that day so much sweeter.
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I think it's a combination of many things Louzie, most of which you mention. It's almost as if Lambert has made a list of all the things McLeish, Houllier, O'Neill and O'Leary should have done and ticked them off one by one. It's a pity he left 'give some team a total shellacing on Monday Night Football' until somewhere near the end.
With regards the pay rises, maybe it's fair to recognise that the players who are likely to get them are actually worth a good deal more than they are currently being paid regardless of where we currently are in the table. The lower paid ones are after all doing most of the work.
Er, I haven't posted on this thread!
Agree with your points though.
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I don't know the first thing about what Lowton, Bennett, Westwood etc are like as people, but they do strike me as being most unlikely to be found asleep and half pissed on the hard shoulder of the M40 at 5 a.m.
I does appear that Lambert does his homework and takes more than pure playing ability into account when making signings.
Say what you like about Bennett as a defender. There's no shortage of moral fibre there. It'll serve him well at both ends of the table.
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I disagree while agreeing with everything Louzie has said.
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From a PM I sent someone a few days ago "I'm loving watching this Villa team though, been a long time since I have felt such affinity for a Villa team."
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It's a travesty and embarassment that Ireland, Dunne, Given and Bent are all hemorrhaging more money than the first team combined. Ship 'em out, replace them adequately then we can love the players long time.
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From a PM I sent someone a few days ago "I'm loving watching this Villa team though, been a long time since I have felt such affinity for a Villa team."
I agree. This is he first time in a long time I have liked the team as blokes not just players. They seem to care, not be jerks and actually likely to improve in the future.
I hope they stay up, dammit they deserve to stay up.
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From a PM I sent someone a few days ago "I'm loving watching this Villa team though, been a long time since I have felt such affinity for a Villa team."
Amen.
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From a PM I sent someone a few days ago "I'm loving watching this Villa team though, been a long time since I have felt such affinity for a Villa team."
I agree. This is he first time in a long time I have liked the team as blokes not just players. They seem to care, not be jerks and actually likely to improve in the future.
I hope they stay up, dammit they deserve to stay up.
I agree with that - unlike in years past where you knew 1 or 2 were always on the beer, or propping up the rocket club for example, you get the impression with most of this lot they are doing most things in a very professional way in an attempt to better themselves. Delph said they are like a little family and all very clean living. I can believe that looking at them, and I can believe that made part of the reason for Lambert buying them.
Look at the contrast of say, Ireland and Westwood. The former has his house and girlfriend all over the press etc, the latter I would not know if he is is even in a relationship, you hear nothing about him away from the pitch, which is grand.
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Couldnt agree more,for all the dodgy defending,you can see a real passion and a will to win,I am really looking forward to next season.
I am sure the result that keeps us up will feel like Rotterdam 82 !
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I wonder if there's been any words between lambert and Saunders this season?
If I was a new manager coming in to villa and I wanted to know what makes this club tick, I'd be on the phone to him and Taylor.
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I mentioned to the wife the other day how likeable much of our team are.
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This set up has given me back something that I thought had gone from football. The connectedness to the team has kept me going when they've been awful. I thought that this was epitomised by the crowd's reaction to Joe Bennett having a decent game on Monday - everything he did right was met with a roar of approval! This is really a feeling that these players are 'your own'.
I was trying to think what the hell I meant when I was thinking to myself this week that I'd always had faith. How did this align with the fact that there was a point when I was totally resigned to us going down? It's simply that I have felt that this is the way I want us to do things, to build a team I can relate to and support like I used to. I would actually rather support this team in any division than the team we had last year in the Prem - that is quite a revelation to me in terms of what actually matters.
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I wonder if there's been any words between lambert and Saunders this season?
If I was a new manager coming in to villa and I wanted to know what makes this club tick, I'd be on the phone to him and Taylor.
SGT or Big Ron would be the ones i'd be calling.
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We had an awful record at defending set pieces last year, with Dunne Collins Warnock Hutton in the side.
Plus there were stories of bust ups under Ged, and that nightclub incident with Collins at the end of the season.
Its hard to like a team you think aren't giving it 100% and are a bunch of tossers to boot.
Compare that to this year, some of the same old failings are still there, but the attitude and effort isn't in question. Nor were there any reports of splits or feuds in the camp after the awful Dec/Jan we had.
Yet, some were still calling for their return!!
Thank God Lambert stuck to his guns.
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The players mirror the manager. They appreciate the chance to be at the club and they 'give it a right good go'.
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theres one thing better than watching a big signing come good and that's watching a youngster who's come through the youth squad giving his all and becoming a player,
all fans of every club love that
I know not all have come through the academy,
but something I never thought of before was posted by lastfootstamper, and that's all the starting 11 for most games have never played against us before, that's quite amazing when you think about it, I bet there is no other prem team that can boast that stat
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It's the youthful and homegrown nature of the squad.
And the "made in Birmingham" feel to it.
And the lack of fuss, the absence of off-field incidents, the minimum of loose words in social media by the players.
And Lambert 'fessing up to mistakes made and indifferent performances.
And the fact that we've scored some outstanding goals this season.
And it is not last season!
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We all predicted a hard season, but I like the way Lambert has brought in the players he wanted (Lowton, Benteke, Westwood, Bennett, Sylla etc) and stuck with them. At times we have been screaming out for more experienced players, but when they have been playing they haven't offered anymore.
Lambert will get rid of the dead wood and sign better players.
What I like about the young players is even though they may not be good enough yet, they will get better and the impression they give is that it is a privilege and an honour for them to play for Aston Villa. You don't get that with some of they more experienced players.
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I wonder if there's been any words between lambert and Saunders this season?
If I was a new manager coming in to villa and I wanted to know what makes this club tick, I'd be on the phone to him and Taylor.
I'm sure o Neill has told me all he needs to know .
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I wonder if there's been any words between lambert and Saunders this season?
If I was a new manager coming in to villa and I wanted to know what makes this club tick, I'd be on the phone to him and Taylor.
I'm sure o Neill has told me all he needs to know .
And that would be along the lines of "don't fuck it up, I did and left and it was the best job I was going to ever have!!"
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There was a similar feel good factor when O'Neill first arrived, and we've already seen a minority on this site turn against Lambert, so I think we need to be a little circumspect before drawing too many conclusions; however, so far, so good.
I like what Amfy says above, she's summed it up for me. It's not just a club to support but an ethos we can relate to.
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They'll all be a bunch of twats again if we get relegated, though.
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They'll all be a bunch of twats again if we get relegated, though.
Undoubtedly, but they'll be our bunch of twats!!
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There was a similar feel good factor when O'Neill first arrived, and we've already seen a minority on this site turn against Lambert, so I think we need to be a little circumspect before drawing too many conclusions; however, so far, so good.
I like what Amfy says above, she's summed it up for me. It's not just a club to support but an ethos we can relate to.
I think it is to the fans credit and intelligence of seeing the big picture that it was a relative minority and also not a particularly vocal one regarding giving him stick at games. Especially after Chelsea, Spurs, Wigan, Southampton, Newcastle, Bradford, Millwall and the transfer window. Approximately six weeks of horror.
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What makes this more apparent is what came before. Overpaid, lazy, half-arsed senior players with no team ethos and no sense of community among their peers, with little respect for the club and no understanding of their responsibility to it and the supporters. They had become so detached from the fans, they might as well have been from another planet. Stephen Ireland probably was.
Our current crop are everything Ireland wasn't - they appear committed, eager, hungry, grateful for their opportunity and united in a common cause. Whether we live or die by this approach, at least we have a bunch of players who aren't blatantly taking the piss. At Aston Villa, that will always buy players currency among the fans. A Joe Bennett trying his bollocks off will always feel more like one of us than a Stephen Ireland jogging around midfield wishing he was on the bench.
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I'd like to add that Barry Bannan and Joe Bennett have taken an incredible amount of stick that has clearly contributed to some of their poor performances. Up to and including January I'd say the fans, at home, have been pretty poor. Only recently has it improved, as have results.
On Monday, in true typical Villa fan fashion, there were two blokes behind us moaning when it was 5-1 that we kept passing the ball around and weren't going for more goals. Only a Villa fan could criticise their team when 5-1 up.
However, Monday was by far the best atmosphere this season, but was it because of the teams performance, or was the result by the team helped by the fans?
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I think it's a combination of many things Louzie,..
Er, I haven't posted on this thread!
Agree with your points though.
Apologies to both yourself and Ozzjim. Serves me right for reading two threads at once when a little 'overtired'.
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I'd like to add that Barry Bannan and Joe Bennett have taken an incredible amount of stick that has clearly contributed to some of their poor performances. Up to and including January I'd say the fans, at home, have been pretty poor. Only recently has it improved, as have results.
On Monday, in true typical Villa fan fashion, there were two blokes behind us moaning when it was 5-1 that we kept passing the ball around and weren't going for more goals. Only a Villa fan could criticise their team when 5-1 up.
However, Monday was by far the best atmosphere this season, but was it because of the teams performance, or was the result by the team helped by the fans?
Both i would say. The team started well and were backed by the fans, so everybody who was there on Monday deserves some credit for doing their bit.
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I remember posting in a match-thread that Lambert seems to have gone out of his way from day one to create a strong relationship with the fans. There is a great unity there at present and only good things can come of it.
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I did have a bit of a renewal of my enthusiasm for all things Villa when TSM left and Lambert was appointed. And although I've suffered a few doubts (after the Nightmare over Christmas and at the end of January) I always thought Lambert (and by association Lerner and Faulkner) had chosen the right path with the strategy they have adopted since last Summer. This has been reflected by the team, who are easy to get behind and will hopefully get stronger. Still not out of the woods but the future is bright!
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Aside from the bit-parts played by Bent and CNZ, we've never seen any of them play against us. Not one of them. I love that. It does engender a feeling that they are "ours", that they truly are out there playing as if they were one of us, that they're all living our dream. And that in turn goes a long way towards this feeling of us all being in this together, that we all want them to succeed, and they in turn want to succeed for us as much as for themselves.
I like to believe that Lambert considers character and attitude to be as much parts of a player's make-up as ability. Doing so, he has assembled a side who appear to want to play for Aston Villa, to play for us as much as just wanting to play football. I doubt that any arrivals over the summer shall not fit into this ethos.
I believe that we will be successful in the not too distant future, and when that day comes, all this will make that day so much sweeter.
That's a really good point that I'd never considered before. It's similar to seeing the youth team playing at Villa Park in the Next Gen or Youth cup I think.
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I think it's a combination of many things Louzie,..
Er, I haven't posted on this thread!
Agree with your points though.
Apologies to both yourself and Ozzjim. Serves me right for reading two threads at once when a little 'overtired'.
I've posted when 'overtired' a few times ;)
At least you agreed with me! (now wondering which other thread you were reading) UTV!
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I think it's a combination of many things Louzie,..
Er, I haven't posted on this thread!
Agree with your points though.
Apologies to both yourself and Ozzjim. Serves me right for reading two threads at once when a little 'overtired'.
I've posted when 'overtired' a few times ;)
At least you agreed with me! (now wondering which other thread you were reading) UTV!
I have no idea, the first thing I checked was whether or not I congratulated Ozzjim on his excellent ideas for serving Eccles cakes.
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From a PM I sent someone a few days ago "I'm loving watching this Villa team though, been a long time since I have felt such affinity for a Villa team."
I agree. This is he first time in a long time I have liked the team as blokes not just players. They seem to care, not be jerks and actually likely to improve in the future.
I hope they stay up, dammit they deserve to stay up.
I agree with that - unlike in years past where you knew 1 or 2 were always on the beer, or propping up the rocket club for example, you get the impression with most of this lot they are doing most things in a very professional way in an attempt to better themselves. Delph said they are like a little family and all very clean living. I can believe that looking at them, and I can believe that made part of the reason for Lambert buying them.
Look at the contrast of say, Ireland and Westwood. The former has his house and girlfriend all over the press etc, the latter I would not know if he is is even in a relationship, you hear nothing about him away from the pitch, which is grand.
I completely agree. I remember being with my dad outside the North Stand player entrance gates before the Swansea match in September. I was just about to disappear to Shanghai and wanted to catch a Villa game, as I haven't been home that much in the last 3 years. Westwood had just signed from Crewe a week or so earlier and he turned up with his mum and dad, his girlfriend/wife and his young baby. He seemed completely normal, polite and family man-esque. Well done to the lad, I say!
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I think it's a combination of many things Louzie,..
Er, I haven't posted on this thread!
Agree with your points though.
Apologies to both yourself and Ozzjim. Serves me right for reading two threads at once when a little 'overtired'.
[/quFrom a PM I sent someone a few days ago "I'm loving watching this Villa team though, been a long time since I have felt such affinity for a Villa team."
I agree. This is he first time in a long time I have liked the team as blokes not just players. They seem to care, not be jerks and actually likely to improve in the future.
I hope they stay up, dammit they deserve to stay up.
I agree with that - unlike in years past where you knew 1 or 2 were always on the beer, or propping up the rocket club for example, you get the impression with most of this lot they are doing most things in a very professional way in an attempt to better themselves. Delph said they are like a little family and all very clean living. I can believe that looking at them, and I can believe that made part of the reason for Lambert buying them.
Look at the contrast of say, Ireland and Westwood. The former has his house and girlfriend all over the press etc, the latter I would not know if he is is even in a relationship, you hear nothing about him away from the pitch, which is grand.
I completely agree. I remember being with my dad outside the North Stand player entrance gates before the Swansea match in September. I was just about to disappear to Shanghai and wanted to catch a Villa game, as I haven't been home that much in the last 3 years. Westwood had just signed from Crewe a week or so earlier and he turned up with his mum and dad, his girlfriend/wife and his young baby. He seemed completely normal, polite and family man-esque. Well done to the lad, I say!
Interesting. Lowton has 2 kids doesn't he? And Delph is on the cusp of becoming a father. Interesting they have settled down at such a young age. Bodes well. One of the things I always admired about Scholes and Neville was their lack of any form of controversy off the field. Nothing in the press at all, just appeared to be clean living dedicated pros. You need the odd nut case like Balotelli to keep the world interesting, but if Villa can have 11 straight laced good pros, great. Milner would fit in well with this side!
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Ozz just broke the internet with that quote fail!
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It's almost as if Lambert has made a list of all the things McLeish, Houllier, O'Neill and O'Leary should have done and ticked them off one by one. It's a pity he left 'give some team a total shellacing on Monday Night Football' until somewhere near the end.
I think the fans can see what Lambert is trying to do and the improvement since the new year justifies the fantastic loyalty they've given the team this season. I'd imagine most are also appreciative of the football we're trying to play, no hoofing, negative tactics, we're playing it on the ground, generally very tidy but with some speed in attack. We've finally arrived in the 21st century and too many false (and expensive) dawns.
Above all we've got players we can be proud of, that try to play the right way, give 110% effort the way we expect, who together are part of a plan we can actually see come to fruition. Once again we have hope and to quote Samuel Smiles, who probably had a great influence on fellow Scot, William McGregor, "Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey toward it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us."
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The "growing together through adversity" idea may come true as we have supported this team even when others would have howled them from the field. Remember how the Baggies treated Clark when they had a dip?
You *earn* trust and respect at Villa Park - we gave TSM an entire season of home games to win us over and only turned in the last moments of the last home match. We wanted Houllier to succeed, we gave MON season after season of support.
PL has earned time from me even if we are relegated - same goes for the lads playing on the pitch
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The backing from the fans has been very good again this season despite us once again failing to win many matches at home.
I maintain second half against QPR the support was brilliant and won us that game and it was very good on Monday.
Only half time against Everton, full time against Wigan and half time against Newcastle are the only three occasions I can recall when the crowd have turned at home (didn't go to the Bradford leg).
Even it's just been booing and no anti Lambert or board chants.
Hopefully we can get over the line in the next three games as I'm getting slightly confident that this year's pain will have been worth it and the next few years will be much more enjoyable.
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This is the most positive thread on here for a long time. 3-0 down at old trafford and 1800 of us outsinging 75000 fans who are watching their team win the league illustrates the affection we've got for these lads. Lets get over the line tomorrow and have a bloody good day out at Wigan to celebrate these young kids coming of age. Up the Villa. Support Stan.
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I havent checked the attendances but it seems like they are going up versus last season. This just my imagination?
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I havent checked the attendances but it seems like they are going up versus last season. This just my imagination?
Noticed we got 37K against Fulham which was good considering they never bring many.
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I read Lambert speaking about Norwich today, and being asked if he hoped both clubs would survive, he said no, he is focused on us, our team and that this is his club now. Compare that against what has gone before is very uplifting.
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After watching the game three times now there are a couple of standout moments, one was after they equaliised,
our football improved, it seems as if they have a bit of steel in them now and a determination not to lose.The other was a Gabby chase down nearly leading to another chance. Little has been said about Gabby all the plaudits have gone elswhere but as one who has at times been his biggest critic i thought his effort over ninety minutes was superb.I do disagree over Richard Dunne i think he would have paired well with Vlaar and he would have done well with all the young kids.
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After watching the game three times now there are a couple of standout moments, one was after they equaliised,
our football improved, it seems as if they have a bit of steel in them now and a determination not to lose.The other was a Gabby chase down nearly leading to another chance. Little has been said about Gabby all the plaudits have gone elswhere but as one who has at times been his biggest critic i thought his effort over ninety minutes was superb.I do disagree over Richard Dunne i think he would have paired well with Vlaar and he would have done well with all the young kids.
I thought Gabby was MOTM. He chased everything and constantly hassled for the ball. he really kept us ticking during the first half.
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Yeah, no one deserved a goal more than him. All that expounded energy came out in his goal celebration, he clearly felt the goal and plaudits for him were overdue.
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After watching the game three times now there are a couple of standout moments, one was after they equaliised,
our football improved, it seems as if they have a bit of steel in them now and a determination not to lose.The other was a Gabby chase down nearly leading to another chance. Little has been said about Gabby all the plaudits have gone elswhere but as one who has at times been his biggest critic i thought his effort over ninety minutes was superb.I do disagree over Richard Dunne i think he would have paired well with Vlaar and he would have done well with all the young kids.
I thought Gabby was MOTM. He chased everything and constantly hassled for the ball. he really kept us ticking during the first half.
Totally agree (apart from Gabby being MOM, I thought Lowton was), but Gabby is back on form. When he is on form and fit he must be a nightmare to play against as he has so much energy and chases down defenders so fast. It sometimes makes me want to go for a lie down just watching him.
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Yeah, no one deserved a goal more than him. All that expounded energy came out in his goal celebration, he clearly felt the goal and plaudits for him were overdue.
I think it's widely acknowledged that our form has been much better since Gabby got fully fit and accepted the role Lambert wants him to play. we all saw how much he brings to this formation against Fulham.
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Gabby seems to be enjoying his football again.
It's as if a mountain of pressure has been lifted off his shoulders.
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I've posted when 'overtired' a few times ;)
At least you agreed with me! (now wondering which other thread you were reading) UTV!
No need to wonder. it's anything you have posted as you always make sense!
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I thought Gabby was excellent on Monday - I always want him to do well as he is "one of us" but he urged the play forwards when the younger players held back - his experience shone through...
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This set up has given me back something that I thought had gone from football. The connectedness to the team has kept me going when they've been awful. I thought that this was epitomised by the crowd's reaction to Joe Bennett having a decent game on Monday - everything he did right was met with a roar of approval! This is really a feeling that these players are 'your own'.
I was trying to think what the hell I meant when I was thinking to myself this week that I'd always had faith. How did this align with the fact that there was a point when I was totally resigned to us going down? It's simply that I have felt that this is the way I want us to do things, to build a team I can relate to and support like I used to. I would actually rather support this team in any division than the team we had last year in the Prem - that is quite a revelation to me in terms of what actually matters.
Great post and exactly how I feel. It's this which separates me from, say, 90% of Chavski and Yanited fans
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I thought Gabby was excellent on Monday - I always want him to do well as he is "one of us" but he urged the play forwards when the younger players held back - his experience shone through...
There's a camera angle of Ron's tap-in from low down, looking towards the north stand. From it, I reckon Gabby let out the biggest roar in the ground when it went in!
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Gabby is now the talisman for the team,
I doubt if there is anyone on here who has not rated him more than me, even in his so called good seasons the only thing he offered was few important goals every now and then, and offered very little else
that's all changed this season,
this is the best he's ever had by miles in my view, he's a different type of player now,
he's not under pressure to score all the time, there are others doing that job better than him, and its freed him to become a better footballer
and he seems to cause a lot of problems for the opposition and not just because of his pace but his running off the ball, chasing down and not least his intelligent play
for me he's not back to his best, because his best was not that great,
he's better than he ever was, he's never been this good before, he had a little spell under TSM that was similar but that didn't last, this time his form is consistant,
and as I have said before, theres is no better sight for most Villa fans than Gabby scoring, you know it means the world to him, and us
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Gabby is now the talisman for the team,
I doubt if there is anyone on here who has not rated him more than me, even in his so called good seasons the only thing he offered was few important goals every now and then, and offered very little else
that's all changed this season,
this is the best he's ever had by miles in my view, he's a different type of player now,
he's not under pressure to score all the time, there are others doing that job better than him, and its freed him to become a better footballer
and he seems to cause a lot of problems for the opposition and not just because of his pace but his running off the ball, chasing down and not least his intelligent play
for me he's not back to his best, because his best was not that great,
he's better than he ever was, he's never been this good before, he had a little spell under TSM that was similar but that didn't last, this time his form is consistant,
and as I have said before, theres is no better sight for most Villa fans than Gabby scoring, you know it means the world to him, and us
I have been impressed with his passing lately. I think coming to terms with and accepting football has moved on a 2 centre forwards is hard to accommodate, and with his pace coming from wide is much more threatening has taken him a long time, but he is there now, and it shows in his football.
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Its almost like watching a child grow up, you feel every bump with them, and each time it happens that bond grows a tiny bit stronger, i defy anyone with a heart not to have felt pity for some of `em during the winter when we all suffered together. Look at QPR, all those big money "dont give a fuck" signings and there was no bond between any of them, contrast that with the whole show on Monday night, i felt genuinley proud of every one of them after that, Boys are turning into Battle-hardened veterans before our eyes and i think it`s fucking wonderful.
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Gabby seems to be enjoying his football again.
It's as if a mountain of pressure has been lifted off his shoulders.
It's a far cry from last year. Then, by his own admission, he couldn't wait for the season to be over. Now he'll probably be disappointed when it finishes!
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Great thread and couldn't agree more.
I feel great affinity with this team and the manager and it's clear many others do too. I also agree that Lambert has consistently said the right things since coming here.
We want to play the right way with players who feel privileged to play for the club.
I think Andi Weimann epitomises everything that I like about the club at the moment.
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I think I'm just in love with the possibility of this team, If we could work on the defence we'd be a very attractive team.
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I think I'm just in love with the possibility of this team, If we could work on the defence we'd be a very attractive team.
I thought we did well at the back with the exception of Bennett. He covered the centre backs brilliantly 2-3 times denying Holt easy chances, but against his man he just kept getting too bloody tight. Time to learn.
But today showed how much they are maturing. Won from being pegged back, under big pressure, again.
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I think I'm just in love with the possibility of this team, If we could work on the defence we'd be a very attractive team.
I thought we did well at the back with the exception of Bennett. He covered the centre backs brilliantly 2-3 times denying Holt easy chances, but against his man he just kept getting too bloody tight. Time to learn.
But today showed how much they are maturing. Won from being pegged back, under big pressure, again.
We need two new defenders but even then I don't think a Lambert team will magically start keeping clean sheets on an annual basis.
That doesn't mean you can't do well though as last season Norwich finished top 10 with about 5 clean sheets and in 07/08 we finished 6th despite conceding a shedload of goals.
Big difference is we have a real cutting edge now going forward which was the big problem 1st half of the season. That and I much prefer Baker at CB than Clark.
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What a difference a few victories make, we all seem to be pulling in right direction, long may it continue
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Funnily enough, I first thought that I identified a lot with this team after the 8-0 Chelsea game. Following on from the scarcely credible exuberance of the performance at Anfield, to lose so crushingly for such a young team must have felt horrible, and I realised that I didn't just feel shit because my beloved Villa had been humiliated, but because I felt for these guys, for their professional pride and for all their hard work gleefully tossed away by those grinning, vindictive Chelsea sadists. If these players can stay up, we will have a team who we won't just support for the colours of the shirt, but because of the personalities who are wearing them - and we might be the only team in the division who'd be able to honestly say that.
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Funnily enough, I first thought that I identified a lot with this team after the 8-0 Chelsea game. Following on from the scarcely credible exuberance of the performance at Anfield, to lose so crushingly for such a young team must have felt horrible, and I realised that I didn't just feel shit because my beloved Villa had been humiliated, but because I felt for these guys, for their professional pride and for all their hard work gleefully tossed away by those grinning, vindictive Chelsea sadists. If these players can stay up, we will have a team who we won't just support for the colours of the shirt, but because of the personalities who are wearing them - and we might be the only team in the division who'd be able to honestly say that.
Nailed it.
It could be something about the underdog nature of the team. To see the kids come out stronger after a horrible festive period.
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Funnily enough, I first thought that I identified a lot with this team after the 8-0 Chelsea game. Following on from the scarcely credible exuberance of the performance at Anfield, to lose so crushingly for such a young team must have felt horrible, and I realised that I didn't just feel shit because my beloved Villa had been humiliated, but because I felt for these guys, for their professional pride and for all their hard work gleefully tossed away by those grinning, vindictive Chelsea sadists. If these players can stay up, we will have a team who we won't just support for the colours of the shirt, but because of the personalities who are wearing them - and we might be the only team in the division who'd be able to honestly say that.
Excellent post
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Any pride I had from us beating Sunderland was x100 because it was a young team growing up before our eyes. I was wondering what they were thinking as the fans got louder and louder. Had any of them experienced an atmosphere like that before? Plus they have every reason to have an affinity with the club too.
Guzan - gave him his chance in a top league
Lowton - gave him his chance in a top league
Vlaar - experienced player but made captain almost straight away
Baker - signed as a 13 year old, born in Worcester
Bennett - gave him his chance in a top league
Delph - gave him his chance in a top league
Sylla - gave him his chance in a top league
Westwood - gave him his chance in a top league
Weimann - signed at just 16, given chance now
Agbonlahor - Villa fan and youth product
Benteke - gave him his chance in a top league
We are the biggest club any of these guys have ever played for. Compare and contrast with the likes of Given, Hutton, Warnock, Dunne, Collins, Ireland, N'Zogbia, Bent. To them we were just another club to pick up £30000 a week or more at. For these young lads we've given them a chance of achieving their dream, and it shows. Look at how Weimann celebrates every goal we score!
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Brian Clough always used to say he would only ever sign players for whom Forest was a step up. Maybe has was pissed when he resigned Garry Birtles.
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What's enjoyable is that we are watching this side mature in front of our eyes. I get the impression they've felt the pain of the defeats as much as we have. You don't hear stories of disgruntled employees as we did in the past two or three seasons, and like the ones coming out of Newcastle now. There is a real sense of togetherness and as much as we identify with them, the players appear to be close to us. This lot have made mistakes, will make mistakes but have learned from many of them. I think they'd concede that they need help in certain areas and that compeition is good. There is so much to look forward to, not least of which a manager who embodies so much of what we as fans have wanted for a very long time. Young, hungry and determined applies very much to him too.
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Any pride I had from us beating Sunderland was x100 because it was a young team growing up before our eyes. I was wondering what they were thinking as the fans got louder and louder. Had any of them experienced an atmosphere like that before? Plus they have every reason to have an affinity with the club too.
Guzan - gave him his chance in a top league
Lowton - gave him his chance in a top league
Vlaar - experienced player but made captain almost straight away
Baker - signed as a 13 year old, born in Worcester
Bennett - gave him his chance in a top league
Delph - gave him his chance in a top league
Sylla - gave him his chance in a top league
Westwood - gave him his chance in a top league
Weimann - signed at just 16, given chance now
Agbonlahor - Villa fan and youth product
Benteke - gave him his chance in a top league
We are the biggest club any of these guys have ever played for. Compare and contrast with the likes of Given, Hutton, Warnock, Dunne, Collins, Ireland, N'Zogbia, Bent. To them we were just another club to pick up £30000 a week or more at. For these young lads we've given them a chance of achieving their dream, and it shows. Look at how Weimann celebrates every goal we score!
Spot on with Weimann. I noticed him when we got the winner yesterday. He couldn't have celebrated more if he had stuck one in the top corner himself or if he had been a fan in the stands.
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What's enjoyable is that we are watching this side mature in front of our eyes. I get the impression they've felt the pain of the defeats as much as we have. You don't hear stories of disgruntled employees as we did in the past two or three seasons, and like the ones coming out of Newcastle now. There is a real sense of togetherness and as much as we identify with them, the players appear to be close to us. This lot have made mistakes, will make mistakes but have learned from many of them. I think they'd concede that they need help in certain areas and that compeition is good. There is so much to look forward to, not least of which a manager who embodies so much of what we as fans have wanted for a very long time. Young, hungry and determined applies very much to him too.
I noticed this. The players looked absolutley gutted when we lost games, or were pegged back (Swansea, Everton, Albion)
Contrast this with QPR players when they lost at Villa Park. They just turned around and walked off the pitch (apart from one player, can't remember name) I sit by the tunnel, I watched their faces, they couldn't have given a toss.
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Probably Clint Hill, he's the only one who seems to care at QPR.
I really enjoy watching this team, far more than many of the other Villa teams in recent years. I'm looking forward to this summer's additions too!
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I've posted when 'overtired' a few times ;)
At least you agreed with me! (now wondering which other thread you were reading) UTV!
No need to wonder. it's anything you have posted as you always make sense!
Just seen this! Cor.
Enjoy your posts as well, Aftab! ;)
UTV
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I've posted when 'overtired' a few times ;)
At least you agreed with me! (now wondering which other thread you were reading) UTV!
No need to wonder. it's anything you have posted as you always make sense!
Just seen this! Cor.
Enjoy your posts as well, Aftab! ;)
UTV
Aftab and Louzie sitting in a tree...
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We need two new defenders but even then I don't think a Lambert team will magically start keeping clean sheets on an annual basis.
The way we're going a clean sheet on an annual basis will be an improvement!
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Its almost like watching a child grow up, you feel every bump with them, and each time it happens that bond grows a tiny bit stronger, i defy anyone with a heart not to have felt pity for some of `em during the winter when we all suffered together. Look at QPR, all those big money "dont give a fuck" signings and there was no bond between any of them, contrast that with the whole show on Monday night, i felt genuinley proud of every one of them after that, Boys are turning into Battle-hardened veterans before our eyes and i think it`s fucking wonderful.
This is a good analogy. We have been through the mill with them, but persevered.
In comparison with some of the top-flight footballers around at the moment, it's hard not to like them.