Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: Gaztonniller on July 06, 2013, 02:49:39 PM

Title: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Gaztonniller on July 06, 2013, 02:49:39 PM
Just wondering what the current feeling was in the camp.
Last season; all gloom and relegation certainties doom.

This season.......?
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: richard moore on July 06, 2013, 02:57:53 PM
Very optimistic, I love what we are doing which is pretty much the opposite of the rest of the Premier League. For me, it all feels ethically and morally right which is important even though I can't quite explain what I mean. We will need to hold our nerve through a couple of tricky early games but if we get our confidence up and the defence improves - and it can't be any worse can it? - I can see us ripping some teams to pieces
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Pete3206 on July 06, 2013, 03:01:31 PM
Think we'll be OK. Perhaps some surprise results and comfortably in the top half.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: danlanza on July 06, 2013, 03:02:38 PM
Very optimistic. Gonna be a good'un.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: OCD on July 06, 2013, 03:03:49 PM
Just wondering what the current feeling was in the camp.
Last season; all gloom and relegation certainties doom.

This season.......?


I think the doom and gloom only came in during the season when we struggled. Before the season started, it was like a breath of fresh air after McLeish and we were enjoying the way we were trying to play football.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: paul_e on July 06, 2013, 03:11:46 PM
I'm optimistic, I can see a plan for the club that extends beyond next season and I genuinely like our players, I think they will succeed and I really want them to, for themselves as much as for us.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: PaulWinch again on July 06, 2013, 03:14:17 PM
Optimistic there is a plan in place and we're moving in the right direction.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: mrastonvilla on July 06, 2013, 03:25:26 PM
Love what we are doing, we've gone back to trying to be a football club rather than just a football team like the majority of the premiership. I'm optimistic for the new season I hope to see progress from last season and think we will carry on from where we got to by the end. Although I appreciate is going to be small steps and think we will need to be patient with the team and manager at times.

Having said that I hope the new lads are the dogs danglers and we can add a couple more and we smash everyone in sight next year. That's a big ask isn't it?
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Rancid custard on July 06, 2013, 03:51:59 PM
I see us building on the good football we played, the team becoming more solidified and us sliding up and down mid table all season. The season after that should be a hell of a ride.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: supertom on July 06, 2013, 04:01:34 PM
Glass half full here. I'm optimistic. I like the promise of the new players. They all seem to have ability in their locker and great determination. It'll be great if they can find their feet. I thought the way we were going in the tail end of last season showed a lot of promise. I also fully expect Benteke to still be here.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: silhillvilla on July 06, 2013, 04:03:25 PM
Outside the top 5 or 6, the PL is massively over-rated. If we can keep Benteke and sort ourselves out defensively then I think we can easily be anywhere between 7-12th.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Witton Warrior on July 06, 2013, 04:19:10 PM
I am back to where I was this time last year - hopeful but not expecting a firework display - last year was a shock to begin with building to a near-meltdown ending on a tremendous high.

Probably not the only Villan who wouldn't mind a steady, solid improvement with some decent football building to  competent side ready to win the League in 2015 ;-)
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Fergal on July 06, 2013, 04:45:35 PM
I just hope that we get off to a decent start or the shit will hit the fan.  I think we will finish comfortably outside the relegation zone, probably a boring mid table finish.  I think that anyone who thinks we will be challenging for a top 7 or 8 place is being very optimistic.  It could happen in a couple of seasons but next season is a slim possibility.  We are a work in progress and it will take time for us to develop and mature as a team.
I just don't want to have too high an expectation, have a few bad results then watch people implode as we fight out way through the resty of the season with arguments and bad feelings.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Toronto Villa on July 06, 2013, 04:55:17 PM
Very optimistic but not naïve to think everything is perfect because it isn't. Things are massively better than this time last summer and we have a manager in place that is perfectly clued in. This summer honestly could not have gone much better. We won't tear it up next season but I am highly confident of not being in any danger at all. I can't wait for it to start.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: timeoutbigbar on July 06, 2013, 04:59:53 PM
Cautiously optimistic.  Just hoping the difficult fixtures at the start of the season don't knock out confidence, otherwise we could quickly lose the 'feel good' factor we have built up from the end of last season.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Monty on July 06, 2013, 05:41:16 PM
I think it'll be fun. There might be a scare or two but that's only because the league tends to bunch up at the bottom like a pair of rubbish underpants. Overall, we might be looking at a top-half finish and maybe even (as we say every year) a Cup win.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: TopDeck113 on July 06, 2013, 05:44:24 PM
Optimistic.  I genuinely think that it is shaping up to be an exciting few years down the Villa.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: ciggiesnbeer on July 06, 2013, 05:49:03 PM
Its pre-season . Naturally I think we are going to win the league.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: paulcomben on July 06, 2013, 05:53:41 PM
It is great to see a plan in development that is unlike other PL teams and yet exactly what those without megabucks owners should all be doing. Naivety will mean some defeats, but when it clicks it will be exhilirating. Could we please just win a cup, though? It'd be great to win a cup.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: eastie on July 06, 2013, 05:54:43 PM
Outside the top 5 or 6, the PL is massively over-rated. If we can keep Benteke and sort ourselves out defensively then I think we can easily be anywhere between 7-12th.

Agreed, top 8 is very much a realistic aim .
I think we will still add another two players to strengthen the side further.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: PeterWithesShin on July 06, 2013, 05:56:23 PM
Optimistic. We'll take a few batterings again, we'll dish a few out. Most importantly, I think it's going to be fun watching us.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: jeowje on July 06, 2013, 06:13:56 PM
Very hopeful, as always at this time of the year! Keep Benteke, new signings click and we could do better than most on here are predicting. Not too much to fear outside the top three in my opinion. One-man spurs, boring same old arsenal, flaky liverpool? Lamberts Lions are coming after you!
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: darren woolley on July 06, 2013, 06:20:11 PM
Optimistic. We'll take a few batterings again, we'll dish a few out. Most importantly, I think it's going to be fun watching us.

I agree.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Legion on July 06, 2013, 06:23:56 PM
Optimistic, especially if we hold on to Benteke.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: walsall villain on July 06, 2013, 06:30:16 PM
For first time in ages, very optimistic. Reading Guzan's comments today have added to this, his joy at getting an extended stay and how he talks about the players growing together as a family but welcoming the competition from new blood.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Chris Smith on July 06, 2013, 06:33:45 PM
I'm a natural optimist anyway but I do like the way we're going about things, I just hope that everyone keeps their nerve if things don't go to plan straight away.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: CyprusVillain on July 06, 2013, 07:06:49 PM
On the up - like what appears to be PL's plan, the associated ethos seems admirable and I do like the idea of shopping in ALDI for bargains when others are fixated on paying full whack in Harrods.

Mid table finish for Villa next season  - onwards and upwards
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: pauliewalnuts on July 06, 2013, 07:15:39 PM
I think it's going to be another very interesting season. Top half would be nice.

Last season was tough going in patches, but I still believe in Lambert, and one thing I am sure, is that it won't be boring.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Percy McCarthy on July 06, 2013, 07:16:11 PM
Hugely optimistic. Had a b-loser criticising us today, saying he'd never heard of our new players and they were coming into a struggling team. By the time I'd finished telling him about our current form and Lambert's signings last season (especially Benteke, Guzan, Westwood, Sylla and Lowton) I was buzzing.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Ads on July 06, 2013, 07:22:49 PM
I am optimistic, but think it will be a lot harder than perhaps I would like.

I think we will struggle again with a lot of the sides in the top 6, but we will have more about us and enough to be top half.

Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: PeterWithesShin on July 06, 2013, 07:27:16 PM
I am optimistic, but think it will be a lot harder than perhaps I would like.

I think we will struggle again with a lot of the sides in the top 6, but we will have more about us and enough to be top half.


So pretty much the Villa of the last 30 years.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: berneboy on July 06, 2013, 07:29:50 PM
Its pre-season . Naturally I think we are going to win the league.

Moi, aussi, mon ami.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Legion on July 06, 2013, 07:30:27 PM
Well, we're currently second level on points so who knows what could happen?
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Ads on July 06, 2013, 07:32:00 PM
I am optimistic, but think it will be a lot harder than perhaps I would like.

I think we will struggle again with a lot of the sides in the top 6, but we will have more about us and enough to be top half.


So pretty much the Villa of the last 30 years.

No, I think we're by and large a bit better than that. I think we can do 8th spot next season if we have a good campaign. Over the past 30 years, with seven or eight notable exceptions, I think we're a step above that.

We need a trophy though.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Ads on July 06, 2013, 07:33:51 PM
One prediction I will make with some confidence, is that we will see the best football at B6 played since BFR.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: TheSandman on July 06, 2013, 08:05:40 PM
Not expecting too much, generally in midtable but I am optimistic as that would be a decent improvement. Like others, I anticipate good football. I also have a strange feeling that, in spite of a difficult opening few fixtures, we'll start the season well.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: PeterWithesShin on July 06, 2013, 08:13:29 PM
I am optimistic, but think it will be a lot harder than perhaps I would like.

I think we will struggle again with a lot of the sides in the top 6, but we will have more about us and enough to be top half.


So pretty much the Villa of the last 30 years.

No, I think we're by and large a bit better than that. I think we can do 8th spot next season if we have a good campaign. Over the past 30 years, with seven or eight notable exceptions, I think we're a step above that.

We need a trophy though.

Last 30 years we've had 15 top 8 finishes, and 15 out the top 8, by my reckoning. So I still think we're on course to be typical Villa. Not a bad thing i'd like to add considering what has gone on the last few years.

And I agree 100% with this, we scored some of the best goals i've ever seen last season. And I had more fun watching us than I have since probably '96.

One prediction I will make with some confidence, is that we will see the best football at B6 played since BFR.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: The Left Side on July 06, 2013, 08:39:12 PM
Cannot wait for the new season.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 06, 2013, 08:39:47 PM
Reckon this will be a bit like 07/08, we'll score a shed load but also let it loads at the other end.

Doubt we'll finish 6th but I think a top 10 placing is realistic as there was a lot of improvement from January onwards so hopefully we can take that momentum into this season.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Clampy on July 06, 2013, 09:14:21 PM
Optimistic. I was optimistic under TSM though but that's just the way i am.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: villa kicks on July 06, 2013, 10:24:49 PM
Being optimistic before season begins because of signings with potential and awesomely more good things to come

1.Benteke is still here
2. Guzan signed a new deal
3. Weimann signed a new deal
4. Nathan Baker will only get better and signed a new deal
5. Delph can make it big time
6. The new signings
7. Those improvers of current squad will hopefully have less occurrences in defensive errors/silly play because of their experience and development.

Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: mrastonvilla on July 06, 2013, 10:27:01 PM
Good points, I'm hoping that Sylla can develop as well
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Lizz on July 06, 2013, 11:00:54 PM
Well, we're currently second level on points so who knows what could happen?

I saw that too. Can't quite see the point of it, other than enjoying seeing who the current bottom 3 are.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: silhillvilla on July 06, 2013, 11:15:18 PM
Just to avoid another relegation threatened season would represent progress.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: warleyboy on July 06, 2013, 11:16:52 PM
Wishfully optimistic,

It's been fantastic to have deals done so early on in the closed season, to hopefully allow our new recruits to gel quickly.
I feel Lambo is taking us all on this new journey, and he wants us all to be a part of it.
Has a cloughy type feel to it all, and I'm a big admirer of those forest days...

I reckon a few draws to start our season off, but we will improve rapidly, and I can definately see a few Sunderland home game results coming our way.. Bring it on...
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: vtid58 on July 07, 2013, 04:28:12 AM
Optimistic
First post on here, but last year posted somewhere that I would be happy with 17th. So was happy in May.
I think mid table with no relegation worries would be progress.
Love what we are doing and enjoying the ride.
VTID

Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: nigel on July 07, 2013, 09:02:32 AM
Its pre-season . Naturally I think we are going to win the league.

Exactly how it should be, too.  :)
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: nigel on July 07, 2013, 09:16:17 AM
I'm always pretty optimistic.

Last season I always felt we were going to turn that corner. Although the 'corner' was further away than I thought I never lost belief, I always stayed positive.

This season I really believe we can shock a few of the big boys. No, we won't crack the top 4, not even the top 7, but I reckon we can consolidate ourselves around 8th - 10th.
I think we'll 'Do' Man U this season, too.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: rob_bridge on July 07, 2013, 09:49:20 AM
Quite optimistic - think we will still let goals in but be wiser in responding to set backs. Mid table will be fine 50 points or so.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: martin o`who?? on July 07, 2013, 11:20:22 AM
Absolutely positively convinced we`ll do well this season, especially if we keep the big fella, can`t wait to see what the new signings are like, i know several people who didn`t renew last season but have this time, i think that speaks for itself, we`re on the up.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: ktvillan on July 07, 2013, 11:47:07 AM
Cautiously optimistic.  Our form at the tail end of last season was very good and if we can maintain and build on that we should do okay.  I like and admire what Lambert is trying to do, spotting youngsters who look to have something special rather than overpaying for journeymen and wasters as well as playing attacking football.  Okore in particular looks like a very astute investment.  However it remains a fairly high risk strategy and we still lack experience in the squad - hence the caution.  I'd be happier if we signed another centre back as I don't really rate Clark or Baker, far too many avoidable errors from both.   
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Deano's Mullet on July 07, 2013, 11:51:49 AM
It wont be boring. I think Villa will have a poor start but finish relatively comfortable finishing in mid-table. This is not the summer of 1995 all over again however, the top clubs are far more better off financially now than then so I honestly don't think it would be possible to go from 18th to 4th again just like that - we have to hold onto our top players and we have to make sure we are stronger at the back and in midfield. Lambert is doing all the right things and it will be a season of improvement but for me the top league spots are a closed shop and that dampens my enthusiasm whereas 10 years ago or so i'd have been buzzing pre-season.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: arnie66 on July 07, 2013, 12:06:36 PM
Optimistic

Things are improving in almost every area.  I think that the final piece of the current process is to offload the deadwood and cleanse the club of the remaining high earning players who clearly don't meet the 'young and hungry ethos'

I'm looking forward to a season of mid-table mediocrity mixed in with a few pieces of football genius and the odd cheeky victory against the big boys.....oh and a good run in the cups would just make things perfect.

I'm also going to enjoy watching Albion's bubble burst and Villa restoring the balance in Midlands football

roll on August
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: levico on July 07, 2013, 05:55:01 PM
Optimistic but will be even more so when the Benteke situation is resolved in our favour.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Alan Rock on July 07, 2013, 06:28:01 PM
Optimistic.
Good cup runs, no relegation worries
and I think we'll probably finish some
where between 11th and 13th. Which
would be fantastic progression imo. :)
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Chipsticks on July 07, 2013, 10:22:44 PM
Very optimistic. I think we'll again take a few beatings, but we'll be one of those sides that can beat anyone on their day.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: bertlambshank on July 07, 2013, 10:27:58 PM
We will have a nothing season.I will take that after the last three.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Toronto Villa on July 07, 2013, 11:22:44 PM
Despite being shit for a lot of the season we could very well have come out of it with a cup win. I reckon we could be a good outside bet for one of the cups and a solid top 10 season.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: danlanza on July 07, 2013, 11:27:41 PM
Optimistic.
Good cup runs, no relegation worries
and I think we'll probably finish some
where between 11th and 13th. Which
would be fantastic progression imo. :)
6th ;)
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: jeowje on July 07, 2013, 11:40:28 PM
Sorry to sound like a nitpicking/negative sod, but it always winds me up when people talk about wanting 'good cup runs'. Sounds really smalltime in my opinion. We had one of those last year but who ended up happy with it? Would love to see us win either of them, its been far too long.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Broughty-Villian on July 08, 2013, 12:00:19 AM
Optimistc as always

8th-12th and 2 good cup runs.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: danlanza on July 08, 2013, 12:23:14 AM
6th, winners of the FA Cup and the Other one, whatever it's name will be next season. Happy..... Frigging..... Days........ UTV.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: paul_e on July 08, 2013, 08:21:21 AM
My main hope is that we still have a realistic chance at some silverware by mid february.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: not3bad on July 08, 2013, 12:51:41 PM
Put me with the optimists.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: eastie on July 08, 2013, 01:02:48 PM
Reasons to be cheerful - part 3......
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: fbriai on July 08, 2013, 02:50:21 PM
Optimistic, but, à la Chris, I'm a natural optimist anyway.

I'm also incredibly blinkered, so I look at our team and see potential title winners written all over it.

That said, I think we are in for a good season. Think we are going about things in the right way as well, which is no small thing in the money-obsessed world of Premier League football.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Doorbell on July 08, 2013, 02:52:00 PM
Optimistic, but, à la Chris, I'm a natural optimist anyway.

I'm also incredibly blinkered, so I look at our team and see potential title winners written all over it.

That said, I think we are in for a good season. Think we are going about things in the right way as well, which is no small thing in the money-obsessed world of Premier League football.

I'm with you in the blinkered optimist camp.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: fbriai on July 08, 2013, 02:53:20 PM
Optimistic, but, à la Chris, I'm a natural optimist anyway.

I'm also incredibly blinkered, so I look at our team and see potential title winners written all over it.

That said, I think we are in for a good season. Think we are going about things in the right way as well, which is no small thing in the money-obsessed world of Premier League football.

I'm with you in the blinkered optimist camp.

Good man! There's always room for one more!
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: eastie on July 08, 2013, 03:00:37 PM
Top 10 definately , top 8 hopefully.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: curiousorange on July 09, 2013, 12:20:11 AM
Time for a bump.

Optimistic that Benteke's absence won't be noticed.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: dekko on July 09, 2013, 12:23:34 AM
Gonna have to revise my estimate of 8th-10th down to 10th-12th in light of recent events.

Still a looooong time till the transfer window shuts though.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Doorbell on July 09, 2013, 12:25:41 AM
Still optimistic...
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: PeterWithesShin on July 09, 2013, 12:26:15 AM
Optimistic. Every player taking the field will be doing so because they want to play for Aston Villa, the greatest club the world has ever known.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Toronto Villa on July 09, 2013, 12:58:08 AM
Still optimistic. We're not a one player club and we will be left with players and men who want to play for the club. That and the best part of £30m+ for Lambert to improve us again.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: eastie on July 09, 2013, 06:50:29 AM
Spend well on 3 or 4 quality players and we can still do well - remember the platt sale led to a much better team with the money used well.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Dave Cooper please on July 09, 2013, 06:50:29 AM
Optimistic because if there's a manager I trust to spend circa £30million wisely it's Plumbutt.
This might knock the revolution back a few months while any new striker learns the new Villa way but we'll get there.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Ian. on July 09, 2013, 07:02:11 AM
Still optimistic, deep down I thought he was leaving. We have a big gap to fill but lambert will find someone. Knowing him he has his eye on him already.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: supertom on July 09, 2013, 10:56:04 AM
Still optimistic. If we buy two quality players to replace Benteke, then we'll be even better. We're gonna get silly money for the lad, so we'll probably have enough in to make a couple of signings of his ilk and then some left over for book balancing.

Stick Wiemann through the middle and I think he'll get 10-15 comfortably, maybe more. Helenius has a lot of potential. I'm also sure there's an adequate replacement in mind for Benteke. A bit of real flair and quality in midfield could actually be more beneficial to us too. Perhaps we were too reliant on Benteke last season. We need our creativity and goals to spread out better.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: fbriai on July 09, 2013, 11:06:29 AM
It was a bit galling to turn my phone on at 6.50 this morning and immediately receive a message from a mate saying what at happened. But, as has been said, no player is bigger than the club and I definitely trust Lambert to re-invest the money wisely. I also have full confidence that he will already have done his homework on potential replacements and further acquisitions in the event of this happening.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: villa `cross the mersey on July 09, 2013, 03:44:07 PM
Strangly relieved in a sense - Benteke for all his plus points may have been  or would have become an unsettling influence in the camp - not the sort of atmosphere to have with other young players around. I am naturally pessemistic (never I hear you shout at the laptop!) but am beginning to see what Lambert is attempting to achieve. if he is as is stated well prepared then I may lean towards optimistic come 17th August. - I am hearing from a reliable source that the man (PL)  is driven, pragmatic and has a plan A and B if necessary.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: MoetVillan on July 09, 2013, 04:22:21 PM
Ive loved watching Benteke score, but if a player wants out of my team, then to be honest im not to fussed about him.  Screw as much money as possible for him, and spend some of it wisely.  Id be tempted not to blow it all, as sellers will know we have the cash.  Keep buying from the same pot we have done since Lambert came in, doing the harder miles is paying off for us, hungry players.  So, optimistic. 
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Clampy on July 09, 2013, 04:27:39 PM
Optimistic still. We've got 6 brand new players to look forward to.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: eastie on July 09, 2013, 04:29:34 PM
Optimistic still. We've got 6 brand new players to look forward to.

Should be 8 by the time we kick off hopefully, with or without benteke next season will be fun and we will finish top 10.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on July 09, 2013, 04:41:56 PM
Pessimistic. Bottom half
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: adrenachrome on July 09, 2013, 04:43:37 PM
Optimistic. Bottom half.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: David_Nab on July 09, 2013, 07:55:21 PM
Pessimistic

Looked to have made some good signings but other clubs are now spending and more heavily than us,of course spending more doesn't guarantee sucess but it does help.

Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: SamTheMouse on July 09, 2013, 07:56:39 PM
Pessimistic. But then I'm like that about everything.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Broughty-Villian on July 09, 2013, 08:26:00 PM
still optimistic, 'cos I suspect that Lambert would have planned for this, Jic.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: silhillvilla on July 09, 2013, 10:22:44 PM
It's going to be another hard slog I fear.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Big Dick Edwards on July 09, 2013, 10:33:30 PM
Lets face it, without Benteke last season we'd have been relegated by Easter. No player is bigger than the club though and we just have to trust Lambert can unearth another diamond. In fact he may already have done so with Helenius.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: frank black on July 09, 2013, 10:39:54 PM
I'm optimistic.

Pretty sure we will have just enough to stay up. With a nice profit from Benteke and probably some more next summer for our next big shot.

Feckin footballers.....grrrr

Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: fbriai on July 10, 2013, 09:42:23 AM
To quote the great Peter Ustinov:

Quote
'I think pessimism is completely out of date. It's a romantic indulgence. I don't think anyone can afford to be pessimistic anymore. I mean, there is so much that can go wrong, optimism is the only thing possible anymore.

'I've always thought that an optimist is a person who knew exactly how sad a place the world could be and a pessimist is a person who finds out anew every morning.'
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Villadroid on July 10, 2013, 01:40:40 PM


Pretty sure we will have just enough to stay up.


I suppose it is a measure of the state of the club that avoiding relegation is seen as optimism.

But it is just one of a number of parameters to measure one's optimism.

1) That there will be at least 3 worse teams in the Prem than Villa - optimistic
2) That Villa will totally avoid being embroiled in a relegation struggle - pessimistic
3) That Villa will concede fewer goals than last season (69) - optimistic
4) That Villa will score more goals than last season (47) - pessimistic
5) That Villa will win a trophy - pessimistic
6) That Villa will do better than the value of their best 11 suggests they should - optimistic
7) That Villa will perform above the average set over the last decade - pessimistic
Eight) That Villa will substantiate the claim that they are a big club - pessimistic
9) That Villa will improve their financial position - optimistic
10) That my opinion of the present owners will improve - pessimistic
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: martin o`who?? on July 12, 2013, 05:08:49 PM
A lot depends on how the new signings settle in, if they largely come off, we`ll be ok, but if they struggle, its difficult to see where enough goals will come from to keep us safe because we have to work on the assumption that "Me me me" Benteke is going. I just hope that the money goes straight back to the manager and doesnt sit in a bank account.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: paul_e on July 12, 2013, 06:56:26 PM
To quote the great Peter Ustinov:

Quote
'I think pessimism is completely out of date. It's a romantic indulgence. I don't think anyone can afford to be pessimistic anymore. I mean, there is so much that can go wrong, optimism is the only thing possible anymore.

'I've always thought that an optimist is a person who knew exactly how sad a place the world could be and a pessimist is a person who finds out anew every morning.'

Great quote, I agree with entirely.

I also find the "I'm just being realistic" line that every pessimist falls back on annoying as can be, as if reality is an endless stream of everything being shit and that nothing good can ever break it up.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Matt C on July 12, 2013, 07:52:10 PM
Well, its our year for the FA Cup obvioulsly but that's not optimism talking it is just plain fact.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: old man villa fan on July 13, 2013, 03:11:02 AM
Well, its our year for the FA Cup obvioulsly but that's not optimism talking it is just plain fact.

Every year is our year for the FA Cup.  It is just that Destiny is not listening.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: robbo1874 on July 13, 2013, 04:01:29 AM
We don't seem to be setting Germany on fire in preaseason, but still optimistic for next season. My prediction for last season was 9th and we came up well short of that, even though it was achievable up until right near the end with our late run. Reckon I'll go same again this season and if we somehow manage to hang on to benteke and he continues to perform, then hopefully I'll be wrong again, but in a good way.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Toronto Villa on July 13, 2013, 04:12:47 AM
Pre-season has little bearing on what will happen in the season itself.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Ads on July 13, 2013, 09:16:43 AM
Can anybody remember what we did last pre-season or the pre-season before?

It matters not a jot.

Funnily enough I do recall one pre-season when Spurs were battering all comers and the top four was there's. They were second bottom come November.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Steve kirk on July 13, 2013, 09:18:11 AM
I am pessimistically optimistic.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Mazrim on July 13, 2013, 11:32:38 AM
Pre season, and tours in particular, are just a chance to get fit and bond and nothing else except perhaps some commercial opportunities so whilst its nice to win and compete, the results are of no concern.

However, I'm still of the mind that the squad is still a few players away from where it should be. We're still a top centre half and playmaker short and could do with another right back, experienced gk and powerful target man to replace those that may leave or are long term injured. The money should comfortably be there for those players.

Loans could be a good way of getting them if the permanent targets are hard to get. I mean, we have 4 centre laces but three are very young and Vlaar is injury prone. There are also question marks over the quality of those players. It's not a position you can afford to gamble with. I'm not trying to be negative, just cautious. If we get the defence more or less right we can really do well.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: mr woo on July 13, 2013, 12:20:48 PM
I'm pessimistic at the thought of Benteke leaving and the fact that the defence still looks suspect.

I'm hopeful though, that PL will address those issues as and when, and I'll reserve my optimism for when he does so.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Toronto Villa on July 13, 2013, 01:14:38 PM
There's a long, long way to go in the transfer window. Millions of things will happen/change and we haven't finished buying or selling.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: garyshawsknee on July 13, 2013, 01:28:57 PM
Pre-season has little bearing on what will happen in the season itself.

I remember the season we bought Collymore. I think we won every pre season game,scored a load of goals,we all remembered how that season started.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: ktvillan on July 13, 2013, 01:50:11 PM
I agree with what Mazrim said above. Pre seasons are no reliable indicator of what's to come, and we still need more players.  I'm slightly less optimistic than I  was a week or two ago.  We'll obviously miss Benteke should he go, and some of the clubs I thought might struggle have been targeting and bringing in some very decent players, perhaps a bit more proven than most of our new signings.  Still it's still hard to say who will hit it off in the PL and I'd be surprised if we don't bring in at least two or three more signings.   
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: villadelph on July 13, 2013, 04:09:03 PM
When we were signing kids left and right I was beginning to become more and more optimistic. But of late I'm just not feeling confident. Benteke leaving obviously has a lot to do with that, but I'm also worried that the kids won't mesh together and the fact that we still have very little Premier League experience. I don't think we have enough leaders in the dressing room.

We need to start the season off well, or else it's going to be another rocky campaign. I want to find a way to establish ourselves in the table this year. I may just be impatient and waiting for this squad to turn the corner and become a force, but only time will tell.

I just hope this youth policy works.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Irish villain on July 13, 2013, 04:23:38 PM
It has certainty been a rocky few weeks.

I think this summer shows that if you end up farting around the relegation places for a couple of years it can start to stick to you. We desperately need to re-establish ourselves this season. Another season of struggle would be disastrous.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: silhillvilla on July 13, 2013, 04:43:04 PM
Hopefully Helenius will slot in seemlessly if alien ears leaves
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: villadelph on July 13, 2013, 08:55:52 PM
Hopefully Helenius will slot in seemlessly if alien ears leaves

I hope so too. With Andi and Nicklas up front, and Tonev (who likes to shoot) and Gabby outside we could certainly put up a decent scoring tally this season. But the middle of the park really needs to hold their own. I think Westwood and Sylla will do great this year but we need an attacking presence through the middle.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Matt Collins on July 15, 2013, 08:37:12 AM
I seem to be in line with others. The benteke situation and others' signings have shaken my confidence.

The way we replace benteke is going to be crucial. As will improving our defence. I doubt we'll sign more defenders so I think it's down to training and drills. While its only ore season, from what I've seen so far on AVTV we still seem to have the defensive organisation of a chimps tea party. But let's see how we do when it really gets started.

I'd like benteke gone and two attacking signings in or well underway in the next ten days.

I just don't buy the argument that we hold all the cards at all. I really find it difficult to see benteke playing for us again now after what's passed. I think he'll go to spurs and we just cannot afford for this to drag on. Levy will know this, hence his tactics I think (no bid still, scare us into biting). The question is, can we afford to get into a staring contest?

It would be perverse if we held out for an extra few million but as a result ended up with an ineffectual strike force and plenty of cash in the bank.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: LeeB on July 15, 2013, 09:02:41 AM
Hopefully Helenius will slot in seemlessly if alien ears leaves

I hope so too. With Andi and Nicklas up front, and Tonev (who likes to shoot) and Gabby outside we could certainly put up a decent scoring tally this season. But the middle of the park really needs to hold their own. I think Westwood and Sylla will do great this year but we need an attacking presence through the middle.

That will be your namesake.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: danlanza on July 15, 2013, 02:06:06 PM
Alien Ears. I love it. Everytime i see it posted i have to laugh.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Villafirst on July 16, 2013, 01:05:06 PM
Hopefully Helenius will slot in seemlessly if alien ears leaves

We can't rely on Helenius as he's still very young - if Judas goes we simply have to buy a proven goalscorer to replace him. Benteke scored or contributed 43% of our goals last season, and that will be very difficult to replace.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Ads on July 16, 2013, 01:18:29 PM
Regardless of Benteke staying or going, I think we are in for a more established, albeit young, number 10. I think that kind of addition can only be a good thing in terms of adding creativity and extra goals from midfield.

Add in the purchases and we have a decent sized squad of currently unknown ability.

I don’t think I am taking too much of a leap by suggesting Okore is going to be first choice and from the limited amount I have seen, his pace and strength should be an improvement.

Sylla being here the entire season will help the back four too.

If Benteke does go, then he will be replaced. Its hard to believe we will get somebody that is going to score 23 goals, but then I am sure nobody (Benteke included) believed he would bag that amount anyway. As long as the new man can score 15 (no mean feat) and also be the big focal point, where Andi and Gabby, the number 10 etc can play off him, then we will be fine.

I am feeling positive about the forthcoming campaign and looking forward to some of these new youngster surprising me with what they can do.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: sirlordbaltimore on July 16, 2013, 01:27:03 PM


Both, other middling clubs have spent bigger and brought in players that should hit the ground running whilst we've gone down the unproven track again. Nothing wrong with that but with all the money in the game now you'd have to say a few proven signings would hardly break the bank

A proven striker and attacking midfielder still seem essential to me. If not then at the very best i'd expect a mid to lower table finish yet again.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: Billy Walker on July 16, 2013, 01:43:29 PM
I'm optimistic.  Comparing and contrasting where we are now to this time last year I actually feel we have a stronger squad regardless of Benteke staying or going. 
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: jonzy85 on July 16, 2013, 05:32:29 PM
The Benteke situation has certainly put a dampener on things. It needs to be resolved asap, so that we can re-invest the money.

2 more signings in or around the 8-10 million mark would ratchet up the optimism no end.

I am still worried about our defence though. I don't think Lambert is going to bring another defender who could go straight into the team. Another youngster or 2 maybe, but as it stands, I think we are going to concede a lot of goals again.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: myf on July 16, 2013, 07:31:04 PM
Im fearful of yet another dog fight which will be proper depressing
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: itbrvilla on July 18, 2013, 04:06:30 PM
Im fearful of yet another dog fight which will be proper depressing
Yeah just said the same in the transfer thread.  We need better and more developed/experienced players to mix with the promising youth.
Title: Re: Optimistic or still pessimistic
Post by: levico on July 19, 2013, 06:58:19 PM
With Benteke staying I've just moved from cautious optimist to a more mainstream version.
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