Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on May 16, 2017, 01:14:25 PM
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https://www.avfc.co.uk/News/2017/04/06/villa-domestic-friendlies-confirmed
Aston Villa will play Watford in a Graham Taylor memorial game as part of our pre-season programme which is announced today.
The game, to honour our former manager and to contest the Graham Taylor Trophy, will take place on Saturday July 29, with a 3pm kick-off.
Profits from the day will all be donated to charities of his family’s choosing.
Up to around 4,500 tickets will be available for our supporters to join Hornets fans in tribute to the man who led us with enormous distinction.
We can also confirm four other away matches over the month of July.
Steve Bruce’s men have two games in one day on Wednesday July 12 – against Telford United and Kidderminster Harriers, both with a 7.45pm kick-off.
Then it’s on to Shrewsbury Town on Saturday July 15, with a 3pm kick-off.
It’s the return of our annual game at Walsall on Tuesday July 18, with a 7.45pm start.
The club is also in the process of arranging two friendly fixtures abroad, most likely Germany, to take place in the last week of July. These will be confirmed as quickly as possible.
The club will endeavour to show all our pre-season fixtures - both domestic and abroad - LIVE on our social media channels.
PRE-SEASON FIXTURES
Wednesday, July 12
Telford United (a) 7.45pm kick-off
Kidderminster Harriers (a) 7.45pm kick-off
Saturday, July 15
Shrewsbury Town (a) 3pm kick-off
Tuesday, July 18
Walsall (a) 7.45pm kick-off
Saturday, July 29
Watford (a) 3pm kick-off
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Anyone travelling from nw to Watford give me a shout train fares sky high in july
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Firstly, anyone any idea when tickets will go on sale?
Secondly, will matches be available to watch for those who aren't on Facebook? The Youth Cup games the other day were restricted to FB users only. I see no reason why they can't be hosted on YouTube or, call me crazy, the Villa website.
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There's one being played at Tamworth as well.
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A return to Bremen - last visited August 2012, would be nice.
I met up with loads of Villans from all over Europe and even a few from Brum !
Nice city and decent beer
Police treated the Villa fans with great respect
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Ditto Bochum. Great beer, great food, great fans.
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Also we can return any lost property found in Aston.
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Could do with the dates for Germany in fairness before flight prices get silly.
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A return to Bremen - last visited August 2012, would be nice.
I met up with loads of Villans from all over Europe and even a few from Brum !
Nice city and decent beer
Police treated the Villa fans with great respect
Quality town made special by becks tour
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Also we can return any lost property found in Aston.
Chortles.
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Is the season starting 5th or 12th August?
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Is the season starting 5th or 12th August?
http://www.efl.com/global/keydates.aspx
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Is there really a need for a three week delay between announcing the fixtures and stating which games are on telly?
Twats.
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We didn't get a bye into the second round of the Rumbelows then? Down with the deadbeats of the bottom half...
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We enter in Round One, same as last year.
18th-19th place Hull and Middlesbrough receive a bye to Round Two, 20th place Sunderland, us and all the other Football League clubs enter in Round One.
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Oh right, thought they split the Ch'ship down the middle for it.
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Balls. I am on holiday the first week of the season.
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Me too Chelts - we're definitely going to be drawn at home and miss our free game!
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We didn't get a bye into the second round of the Rumbelows then? Down with the deadbeats of the bottom half...
Next three seasons it's going to be called The Carabao Cup.
It's a Thai energy drink.
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A return to Bremen - last visited August 2012, would be nice.
I met up with loads of Villans from all over Europe and even a few from Brum !
Nice city and decent beer
Police treated the Villa fans with great respect
[/quote
Am looking to go if weekend or start or finish if week game. - living in nw manc ir John Lennon. Give me a pm when details are known
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We didn't get a bye into the second round of the Rumbelows then? Down with the deadbeats of the bottom half...
Next three seasons it's going to be called The Carabao Cup.
It's a Thai energy drink.
Quatro for Millennials
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Union Berlin would be good...
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Aston Villa can confirm the club will travel to Germany as part of their pre-season preparations.
The team will take part in the Schauinsland-Reisen tournament, a mini-competition at MSV-Arena, Duisburg, on Sunday July 23, kick-off 1pm local time.
Teams will play two matches lasting 45 minutes each.
Other participating clubs include MSV Duisburg, Werder Bremen or FC Koln (depending on European qualification) and Malaga CF.
Steve Bruce’s outfit will also play a second game against Vitesse Arnhem in the same region as the tournament.
This will take place on Tuesday July 25, kick-off time and venue TBC.
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have booked for the weekend mini comp the Dutch game on the Tuesday means half the week off so its no goer for me especially with the midweek games which I would potentially want to try and make in the season
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I've now just booked 5 nights in Dusseldorf...Hotel Antares Dusseldorf Friday night checking out Wednesday 26/07.
I enjoyed last season in St Nazaire hopefully this will be as enjoyable.
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booked the ibiz in Duisburg - needed to go back a couple of times before I got the discount link at £33.00 per night.
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Anyone else going to germany
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We're looking into going to the freindly on the tuesday and staying in Dussledorf. The tournament sounds great fun though.
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I hope to make it to Düsseldorf and Reacquaint my self with altbier
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It looks a decent stadium 31000 capacity
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From PRAVDA
Tickets for our pre-season friendly with Walsall go on sale this Wednesday - 14/06/2017
The match takes place at the Banks’s Stadium on Tuesday July 18, kick-off 7.45pm.
Prices are £12 [adults], £6 [O60s/U18s], £15 [family ticket, one adult and one U14 – please note this offer is not available online].
22 wheelchair bays – disabled supporters’ tickets are priced at 50% of the above pricing with free personal assistant and are available by calling the ticket office on 0333 323 1874.
Tickets will initially be available to purchase on Wednesday June 14 at 5pm online.
Wednesday June 14 at 5pm online/Thursday June 15 phone or in person: On sale to 2017/18 season ticket holders who have purchased tickets for 10+ away league matches in the 2016/17 season.
Thursday June 15 at 5pm online/Friday June 16 phone or in person: On sale to 2017/18 season ticket holders who have purchased tickets for 5+ away league matches in the 2016/17 season.
Friday June 16 at 5pm online/Monday June 19 phone or in person: On sale to 2017/18 season ticket holders.
Monday June 19 at 5pm online/Tuesday June 20 phone or in person: On sale to Villa Cash members.
Tuesday 20 at 5pm online/Wednesday June 21 phone or in person: On general sale.
To buy, visit us in person, call 0333 323 1874 or buy online from our ONLINE BOX OFFICE.
The deadline for sales for this fixture is 10am on Tuesday July 18.
After this period, it will not be possible to purchase tickets from Villa Park.
The deadline for refunds is Monday July 17 at 5pm.
All debit/credit card purchases will be subject to a £2 booking fee.
It is essential that you register and use only one client reference account whenever you wish to purchase tickets from Aston Villa, whether online or via the Ticket Office, as this will give you the ability to build-up your Booking History.
This will allow you greater priority in purchasing tickets for future away and cup fixtures.
Post: Only tickets purchased before 3.30pm on Friday July 14 will be posted to supporters.
Collection: All tickets purchased after this deadline will be available for collection only from Villa Park.
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14th June. That's a bit early isn't it? This is still last season.
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A return to Bremen - last visited August 2012, would be nice.
I met up with loads of Villans from all over Europe and even a few from Brum !
Nice city and decent beer
Police treated the Villa fans with great respect
Quality town made special by becks tour
Yes that was great. Wouldn't have mind Bremen again. Can't do the trip to Duisburg due to holiday.
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just checked last season's friendlies:
CONFIRMED FIRST TEAM GAMES
Friendly v AFC Telford (A) - 12pm Saturday July 16
Friendly v Worcester City (At Walshes Meadow, Stourport) - 3pm Saturday July 16
Friendly v Bristol Rovers (A) - 7.45pm Wednesday July 20
Friendly v FC Nantes (At Stade Leo Lagrange, Saint Nazaire) - Saturday July 23
Friendly v Cambridge United (A) - 7.30pm Tuesday July 26
Friendly v Middlesbrough (H) - 3pm Saturday July 30
CONFIRMED U21 GAMES
Friendly v Heather St John's (At Coalville) - 7.30pm Thursday July 21
Friendly v Biggleswade (A) - 2pm Sunday July 24
Friendly v Tamworth (A) - 7.30pm Wednesday July 27
Friendly v Chasetown (A) - 7.30pm Monday August 1
Anyone know we're starting next season's games when this season hasn't officially finished?
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14th June. That's a bit early isn't it? This is still last season.
14th of June....................???
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What are you on about Peter? the game isn't until July 18th, the tickets go on sale on June 14th.
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Why on earth are we playing a Championship team (Middlesborough) in a friendly?
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Ah - got confused with the tickets go on sale bit. As you were...
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Why on earth are we playing a Championship team (Middlesborough) in a friendly?
we're not - that's last season's pre-season fixtures
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Why don't we play an Italian side, like Barcelona?
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Groundhog Season.
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Ticket office saying that the Middlesbrough tickets are still not on sale. Fuming.
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A return to Bremen - last visited August 2012, would be nice.
I met up with loads of Villans from all over Europe and even a few from Brum !
Nice city and decent beer
Police treated the Villa fans with great respect
Quality town made special by becks tour
Yes that was great. Wouldn't have mind Bremen again. Can't do the trip to Duisburg due to holiday.
I'll be joining a few of the German Villans at the game in Duisburg. No further details as yet.
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Why on earth are we playing a Championship team (Middlesborough) in a friendly?
we're not - that's last season's pre-season fixtures
Blokes a dork
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So who else is off to Duisburg? Just over a month to go and under a month now to my first game of the season Shrews away at their new ground.
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Has the second game in Germany been announced yet ?
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Has the second game in Germany been announced yet ?
It's been announced but not where the game is being played.
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The Sunday Duisburg comp on sale to st holders from 5pm tomorrow
Seats £18
Standing £9
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Gay Meadow is gone?
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Yes, it's the New Meadow now. Or the Greenhous Meadow if you want to use the sponsor's name.
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From PRAVDA
Tickets for Villa’s Cup of Traditions tournament in Germany go on sale this Tuesday.
The team will take part in the event, a mini-competition at Schauinsland Reisen Arena, Duisburg on Sunday July 23, kick-off 1pm local time.
Teams will play two matches lasting 45 minutes each.
Other participating clubs include MSV Duisburg, Hertha Berlin and Malaga.
We have an allocation of 300 tickets (200 standing).
Tickets are £18 (seats), £9 (standing) for adults and £18 (seats) and £4.50 (standing for U18s).
U18 ticket holders must provide photo ID at the turnstile to gain entry.
There are 10 wheelchair bays, which are available by calling the Ticket Office on 0333 323 1874.
Tickets are available online from Tuesday June 20 at 5pm and on the phone and in person from Wednesday June 21 to 2017/18 season ticket holders.
On Wednesday June 21 at 5pm online and on the phone and in person from Thursday June 22 they are on general sale.
The deadline for sales for this fixture is 10am on Wednesday July 19.
After this period, it will not be possible to purchase tickets from Villa Park.
The deadline for refunds is Tuesday July 18 at 5pm.
Only tickets purchased before 3.30pm on Monday July 17 will be posted to supporters.
All tickets purchased after this deadline will be available for collection only from Villa Park.
You will be able to BUY ONLINE here or alternatively pop into Villa Park or contact us on 0333 323 1874.
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Good to see the games are only 45 minutes each.
We don't want our poor darlings getting too tired do we?
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Who cares about winning the FA Cup when you could win The Cup Of Traditions.
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Any chance of them putting the Watford tickets on sale any time before the train companies hike the prices?
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Good to see the games are only 45 minutes each.
We don't want our poor darlings getting too tired do we?
Makes sense as each side will play twice on the same day.
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Good to see the games are only 45 minutes each.
We don't want our poor darlings getting too tired do we?
It's only a day tournement. Don't see a problem to be honest.
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You know your past it when you purchase a seat ticket in preference to a terrace one
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I didn't read that about it being a day tournament.
I am deeply ashamed and very sorry
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It's a weekend away on the piss
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It's a weekend away on the piss
Hiya, Jack!
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I'm hearing the Watford match has been switched to Villa Park
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I was just about to say the same thing. Has anyone heard anything more concrete about this ?
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I was at a meeting today at VP and the rumour is rife Watford are having their pitch re laid and it will not be ready in time
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Of all rife rumours that's one of the least interesting!
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I was at a meeting today at VP and the rumour is rife Watford are having their pitch re laid and it will not be ready in time
You may well be right there.
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still advertised as going ahead at Vicarage Road on both clubs websites.
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When is our first one, 2 weeks?
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Yeah, two matches on 12th July.
My Walsall ticket arrived today. Very prompt!
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Shrews on sale now to st holders
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My Walsall tickets arrived today and they have UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON written across them
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still advertised as going ahead at Vicarage Road on both clubs websites.
At Villa park on 29 July.
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Any news on the second match in Germany?
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My Walsall tickets arrived today and they have UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON written across them
Thats the name of the stand you are in
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Any news on the second match in Germany?
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If your worried about it - no need you can stay anywhere in Dusseldolf, Duisburg, Cologne. The train tickets to the Duisburg area will be quite reasonable - all about 12 euros at the most. The game is in the Duisburg area so should not be a problem.
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Are our lot back in training yet?
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Our lot back in training, I think that the poor souls start today after there 7+ weeks holiday, of course they will be knackered by the end of September!
They should have been back a week+ ago, it has been a gripe of mine for a fair few seasons that we don't look fit enough. Under the greatest Manager in my time, Mr Saunders they would not have had 7 weeks off!
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Our lot back in training, I think that the poor souls start today after there 7+ weeks holiday, of course they will be knackered by the end of September!
They should have been back a week+ ago, it has been a gripe of mine for a fair few seasons that we don't look fit enough. Under the greatest Manager in my time, Mr Saunders they would not have had 7 weeks off!
I'm not sure having them back a week earlier would make too much difference. Besides, they're probably put on a training programme whilst they're off to keep themselves in shape.
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Considering that they are often employed six days a week, seven if we have a particularly crowded fixture list, and have to work on most Bank Holidays, seven weeks annual leave in a year doesn't seem particularly excessive to me.
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Getting to retire at 35 as a millionaire, what appalling work conditions.
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I never said it was. Regardless of profession, people are entitled to time off.
Moaning about Villa not being back in training before the last week of June is just moaning for moaning's sake.
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As with most employment it should be about the quality and quantity of work our employees put in , a lot if not all of us possibly feel we've been had on both counts in the last five years. Less so last year but against vastly inferior opponents
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I never said it was. Regardless of profession, people are entitled to time off.
Moaning about Villa not being back in training before the last week of June is just moaning for moaning's sake.
Not if come the hull game we are puffing out of our arses after an hour, like we were for first ten games of last season
You would hope that fitness wont be an issue because all else aside there can be no excuses for not being fit
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Well, no. But we should still be capable of being fit in the first game while allowing players to take a break. Same as every other club seems to.
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Our lot back in training, I think that the poor souls start today after there 7+ weeks holiday, of course they will be knackered by the end of September!
They should have been back a week+ ago, it has been a gripe of mine for a fair few seasons that we don't look fit enough. Under the greatest Manager in my time, Mr Saunders they would not have had 7 weeks off!
Given that back then pre-season fixtures consisted of a game or two in Europe if we were lucky and a couple in Devon I bet they would have.
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Well, no. But we should still be capable of being fit in the first game while allowing players to take a break. Same as every other club seems to.
Totally agree
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hello, I am back in the UK after 12 years in the Netherlands and was hoping to go to the Shrewsbury friendly with my son. It seems that I need a membership number for each ticket? I have one, since I used to be a season-ticket holder, but how can i get another one? (Sorry if posting in the wrong place).
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The criteria mentions Villa Cash, but I think that has been phased out so you would only have that if you had it last season... it's not something you can buy.
However, it's been on general sale since 30th June so not sure why you wouldn't be able to get one?
It may be that they are requesting booking history, in which case anyone who has bought tickets recently should be able to help out by providing their reference number. I would help but we are using our references for this game.
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thanks, cdbullyweefan
It's definitely insisting on one reference number per ticket, but I think we'll just go in the main stand (ie not the away end)
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im not goin so can give you a ref number if you need it
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thanks, cdbullyweefan
It's definitely insisting on one reference number per ticket, but I think we'll just go in the main stand (ie not the away end)
Hopefully, someone on here will have given you a spare reference but just to make you aware it is an all ticket game and tickets cannot be purchased on the day of the game, even for the home stands.
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thanks, cdbullyweefan
It's definitely insisting on one reference number per ticket, but I think we'll just go in the main stand (ie not the away end)
Just phone them up, they should be able to use your old ref and create a new one as well.
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All ticket games for friendlies? Even as a mid table Championship club our pull is still bigger than anyone else around. A nice little reminder.
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It's likely it's so as Shrewsbury know in advance how many stewards they need on the day.
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FYI
https://www.avfc.co.uk/News/2017/07/05/ticket-office-closed-until-next-week
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Well my daughter got us tickets for the harriers Wednesday night so no idea what team villa will be sending.
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Well my daughter got us tickets for the harriers Wednesday night so no idea what team villa will be sending.
I would imagine it'll be half the first team squad (we're playing Telford as well) but which half is anyone's guess.
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Our pre-season matches will be screened live on our YouTube channel. (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCICNP0mvtr0prFwGUQIABfQ)
July 12 – Telford v Aston Villa (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnhJNgZEyQk), New Bucks Head, 7.45pm
July 12 – Kidderminster v Aston Villa (B) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyy8SNJrWSM), Aggborough, 7.45pm
July 15 – Shrewsbury vs Aston Villa, New Meadow, 3pm
July 18 – Walsall vs Aston Villa, Banks’s Stadium, 7.45pm
Screening TBC - July 23 – Cup of Traditions, Schauinsland Reisen Arena, Duisburg, Germany, 1pm
Screening TBC - July 25 – Vitesse Arnhem vs Aston Villa, Venue TBC, KO TBC
July 29 – Aston Villa vs Watford (Graham Taylor tribute match), Villa Park, 3pm
You will get live video approximately just before kick-off and each game will feature commentary as we talk you through the action.
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Anyone not received Shrewsbury tickets yet? Bought them over a week ago and still not got them.
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Anyone not received Shrewsbury tickets yet? Bought them over a week ago and still not got them.
Yes.
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I've got Shrewsbury tickets. Might be worth giving them a ring if they haven't come by tomorrow or Thursday.
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It's a shame if they are screening Watford game, we want as big a crowd as possible at the game to honour GT
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It's a shame if they are screening Watford game, we want as big a crowd as possible at the game to honour GT
I agree, I really can't see us doing him the respect he deserves. A full house is the least he deserves but how we make that happen is beyond me. £5 entry on a night sometime near christmas would be my choice?
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It's a shame if they are screening Watford game, we want as big a crowd as possible at the game to honour GT
That's a good point, I hadn't thought of that.
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It's a shame if they are screening Watford game, we want as big a crowd as possible at the game to honour GT
I agree, I really can't see us doing him the respect he deserves. A full house is the least he deserves but how we make that happen is beyond me. £5 entry on a night sometime near christmas would be my choice?
A night game will always be worse attended.
We should be doing a bit more to publicise this game though, and I don't see the point of making it free to air, that's just asking people not to turn up.
Be nice if a few old stars turn up. McGrath, Cowans, Barnes for instance.
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It's a shame if they are screening Watford game, we want as big a crowd as possible at the game to honour GT
I agree, I really can't see us doing him the respect he deserves. A full house is the least he deserves but how we make that happen is beyond me. £5 entry on a night sometime near christmas would be my choice?
A night game will always be worse attended.
We should be doing a bit more to publicise this game though, and I don't see the point of making it free to air, that's just asking people not to turn up.
Be nice if a few old stars turn up. McGrath, Cowans, Barnes for instance.
Is it actually a fundraiser or just a GT tribute match?
If it's the latter then giving all season ticket holders free entry and charging everyone else £10/£1 kids and a couple of interesting signings beforehand might help
But I still remember Sid getting less than 5000 for his testimonial. And he's the finest player i've ever seen
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It's a shame if they are screening Watford game, we want as big a crowd as possible at the game to honour GT
I agree, I really can't see us doing him the respect he deserves. A full house is the least he deserves but how we make that happen is beyond me. £5 entry on a night sometime near christmas would be my choice?
A night game will always be worse attended.
We should be doing a bit more to publicise this game though, and I don't see the point of making it free to air, that's just asking people not to turn up.
Be nice if a few old stars turn up. McGrath, Cowans, Barnes for instance.
Is it actually a fundraiser or just a GT tribute match?
If it's the latter then giving all season ticket holders free entry and charging everyone else £10/£1 kids and a couple of interesting signings beforehand might help
But I still remember Sid getting less than 5000 for his testimonial. And he's the finest player i've ever seen
Proceeds are going to charities. Then again, I get the impression Watford's attitude is that he was theirs and nobody else's. When the game was shifted to Villa Park they announced that it was 'only' a pre-season friendly and were having the proper celebration the following week, which is where the Graham Taylor Trophy would be played for.
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Are our lot back in training yet?
Yeah gabbys doing a tour of all the McDonald's in London and Jack's on a 4 day bender with his mates in Magaluf
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It's a shame if they are screening Watford game, we want as big a crowd as possible at the game to honour GT
I agree, I really can't see us doing him the respect he deserves. A full house is the least he deserves but how we make that happen is beyond me. £5 entry on a night sometime near christmas would be my choice?
A night game will always be worse attended.
We should be doing a bit more to publicise this game though, and I don't see the point of making it free to air, that's just asking people not to turn up.
Be nice if a few old stars turn up. McGrath, Cowans, Barnes for instance.
Is it actually a fundraiser or just a GT tribute match?
If it's the latter then giving all season ticket holders free entry and charging everyone else £10/£1 kids and a couple of interesting signings beforehand might help
But I still remember Sid getting less than 5000 for his testimonial. And he's the finest player i've ever seen
Proceeds are going to charities. Then again, I get the impression Watford's attitude is that he was theirs and nobody else's. When the game was shifted to Villa Park they announced that it was 'only' a pre-season friendly and were having the proper celebration the following week, which is where the Graham Taylor Trophy would be played for.
[/quote
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There can't be a reason why we don't organise our own tribute.
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Is it actually a fundraiser or just a GT tribute match?
If it's the latter then giving all season ticket holders free entry and charging everyone else £10/£1 kids and a couple of interesting signings beforehand might help.
Prices are already out.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/4tvjbl.jpg)
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It's a shame if they are screening Watford game, we want as big a crowd as possible at the game to honour GT
I agree, I really can't see us doing him the respect he deserves. A full house is the least he deserves but how we make that happen is beyond me. £5 entry on a night sometime near christmas would be my choice?
A night game will always be worse attended.
We should be doing a bit more to publicise this game though, and I don't see the point of making it free to air, that's just asking people not to turn up.
Be nice if a few old stars turn up. McGrath, Cowans, Barnes for instance.
If McGrath, Cowans and Barnes turn up, regardless of age Steve Bruce should sign them all up for next season.
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It's a shame if they are screening Watford game, we want as big a crowd as possible at the game to honour GT
I agree, I really can't see us doing him the respect he deserves. A full house is the least he deserves but how we make that happen is beyond me. £5 entry on a night sometime near christmas would be my choice?
A night game will always be worse attended.
We should be doing a bit more to publicise this game though, and I don't see the point of making it free to air, that's just asking people not to turn up.
Be nice if a few old stars turn up. McGrath, Cowans, Barnes for instance.
If McGrath, Cowans and Barnes turn up, regardless of age Steve Bruce should sign them all up for next season.
Are you sure he recognises players with talent.
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Might as well sticky this and it can be the match thread for the friendlies, with the first one(s) tonight.
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Can we have a separate thread for the Watford game? Seeing as it is part-friendly, part-tribute to a Villa great.
I just want maximum exposure of the game to get the biggest possible crowd, really.
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Really intrigued as to the line-ups/squads for these games. We've still got such a bloated squad, it might give an indication as to who is not in Bruce's plans this season.
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Might as well sticky this and it can be the match thread for the friendlies, with the first one(s) tonight.
https://www.avfc.co.uk/News/2017/07/11/watch-telford-kidderminster-games-live-here
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With two games at the same time this could be a fun match thread
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For what it's worth the club photographer is off to Kiddie.
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Wonder if he will take a picture of me then...!!! I ain't bad looking...
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have the squads for both games been announced?
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All I can find....with only 10 v Kid.
(https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19990545_10155560486036096_2057736668624985673_n.jpg?oh=82c3408771b6684c1a8fa6af3d511fb2&oe=5A0B8A99)
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No way am I missing quiz night to watch that shite.
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No way am I missing quiz night to watch that shite.
Like ;D
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A bit disconcerting that we can't even spell (Veretout) one of our own players names!
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Oi! You're ruining the spelling round!
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A bit disconcerting that we can't even spell (Veretout) one of our own players names!
I think Gabby put the names up.
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Two notes of interest for me - both teams set up in 4-4-2 and Veretout involved.
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One of them is 4-3-2.
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Who is playing left side for team B, anyway? Looks like "Bocca"?
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I think Tshibola is the missing one out.
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Who is playing left side for team B, anyway? Looks like "Bocca"?
Birkir
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I'm hearing Borg in for Taylor
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Amavi lives!
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I'm intrigued to see how Hogan and McC perform together, Kiddie game for me, to start with anyway.
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Also McCafu is that good that he has the whole right-flank to himself. Respek'! Now tell us he's not worth £1m, Sheffield Wednesday.
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Does Terry not play in these games?
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He is busy watching the tennis.
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Team for Telford;
Sarkic
Bree
Samba
Baker
Amavi
Adomah
Lansbury
Veretout
Green
Agbonlahor
Davis
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He is busy watching the tennis.
Waiting to swoop for the trophy?
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He is busy watching the tennis.
Waiting to swoop for the trophy?
In his pure white gear.
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He is busy watching the tennis.
That doesn't bode well, unless he's hot footing it up the M1 as we speak. You would think he'd make a bit of an effort.
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One of lads isn't he!
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Snakes alive! Richards? Fat Mac?
Clean slates is it?
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Gabby capt. fuck me. I don't have a problem him seeing out his contract but how the fuck is he capt of a Villa side again?
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Bloody hell I am seeing Aggborough again, Been years.
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Dont forget samba who isnt on trial ::)
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That Mrs Trialist gets about.
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lol, "scottish cafu" chant. Nice :)
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Whatever any of us say, that's one hell of a group of players to be putting out tonight. Telford and Kiddie will be well happy.
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I feel dizzy.
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Goal Hourihane
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Watching the Telford game mainly (have both streams going on different screens) Amavi, Green, Veretout and Davis have all started really well for me.
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YESSSS. Promoted by Christmas.
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hourihane scores
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I quite like watching two games at the same time, and we've scored at Kiddy, Hogan.
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Or even Hotlips.
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We are staying up! We are staying up!
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Bloody hell Richards is bad.
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I've got one game on the laptop and the other on the telly. If I add the two sides together it's almost like I'm watching the first team!
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I've got one game on the laptop and the other on the telly. If I add the two sides together it's almost like I'm watching the first team!
Duckworth Lewis Method, Mr Ducksworthy?
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The cornor Bunn just gave away is the sort of thing that makes me think he's shit, just too busy thinking about what he was going to do next and dropped the ball.
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I've got one game on the laptop and the other on the telly.
I hadn't thought of that! Cheers.
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Who has gone off injured at telford?
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Who had 27 minutes in the Baker sweep?
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Baker and Albert both off. New season, same old injuries.
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Great!
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Who has gone off injured at telford?
Adomah for o'hare and baker for mitch clark.
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Let me guess. Baker head injury?
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Good stuff by Green, apart from hitting the crossbar.
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Green is excellent at hitting the woodwork.
Another bloody unlucky player!
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Goal 2
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Champions by November.
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Let me guess. Baker head injury?
Of course.
Green hits the post. Villa are totally on top but Lansbury and Gabby are pretty anonymous.
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Chester 0-2
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Chester puts us two up at Kidder while I was busy watching a Telford attack.
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Has Samba signed?
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I don't think so. He's on trial.
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Shit on the Kiddy, shit on the Kiddy tonight.
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Chester puts us two up at Kidder while I was busy watching a Telford attack.
Captains goal that, whatever that means.
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Dafuq was that?
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I'm watching the Kidde game because the YT stream is better quality
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gards with his usual wasted long range free kick.
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Hopefully Hogan can get on the scoresheet.
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1-0 up at Telford.
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1 up at Telfraud, deflected Andre Green shot I think.
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I'm watching the Kidde game because the YT stream is better quality
They're both on youtube.
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1-0 up at Telford after a very odd deflection there for Andre Green.
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Yes it was. He's looked good as has Amavi.
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Pure class from Hutton. Really well played.
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Great ball by Hutton there.
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It looks like Hogan is hated by all at the club but you then realise we're pathetic at picking out good movement, phew!
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I'm watching the Kidde game because the YT stream is better quality
They're both on youtube.
I know. The quality of the picture of the Kidde game is better
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Bunn ? It's a no from me.
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Ridiculous to make any conclusions based on 45 mins against these teams, but what the heck:
Green has been the standout along with amavi. It will be such a shame if the formation means we don't see much of him, or if he has to wait behind gabby (who's done nowt)
Hogan has looked reasonably sharp
Tshibola has quick feet and has looked quite good
Hutton played one great pass but otherwise has done his thing: run head down until he either runs into an oppo player or passes / crosses to one
Gardner just isn't good enough - I'd rather give Tshibola a chance
Managed to misss both goals
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Channel hopping ive missed all three goals and the subs!
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For the first friendly of the season, the team at Kiddy have put effort in, particularly Ross. Defence has been pretty awful.
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Not to dignify them with a mention but what the heck. How sad is it you get Blue Noses and Newcastle fans coming and watching Villa pre season games? I mean I know they are obsessed but thats VERY strange. I cant imagine giving a shit about their games outside of when they play us, friendly or otherwise. Sad boys.
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Not to dignify them with a mention but what the heck. How sad is it you get Blue Noses and Newcastle fans coming and watching Villa pre season games? I mean I know they are obsessed but thats VERY strange. I cant imagine giving a shit about their games outside of when they play us, friendly or otherwise. Sad boys.
I did think that myself - I wouldn't even have known they had a pre-season game on in the first place...
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pen at telford, for us.
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Not to dignify them with a mention but what the heck. How sad is it you get Blue Noses and Newcastle fans coming and watching Villa pre season games? I mean I know they are obsessed but thats VERY strange. I cant imagine giving a shit about their games outside of when they play us, friendly or otherwise. Sad boys.
I did think that myself - I wouldn't even have known they had a pre-season game on in the first place...
Whats the story?
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Penalty at Telfraud.
Scored by Lansbury
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pen at telford, for us.
Scored by Lansbury, good pen.
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Good run by O'Hare. He looks promising.
And three-nil at Telford. Gabby. Always raises his game for the big derby showdowns.
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3-0 at Telford Gabby - was just about to say O'Hare looks like he has something about him.
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3 against telford, gabby with the third, good ball in by, i think, bree.
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Fuck me Gabby has scored! 3-0 at Telfraud.
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Not to dignify them with a mention but what the heck. How sad is it you get Blue Noses and Newcastle fans coming and watching Villa pre season games? I mean I know they are obsessed but thats VERY strange. I cant imagine giving a shit about their games outside of when they play us, friendly or otherwise. Sad boys.
I did think that myself - I wouldn't even have known they had a pre-season game on in the first place...
Whats the story?
In the live chat at the side of the youtube videos there are just some Geordies and SHA commentors going on and on. One particularly lovely Newcastle fellow named Bert decided to sign off with "hope you look forward to your daughters being raped by Muslims" for some reason.
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Who is our number 16 at Telford? Has Baker come back on? I can't even remember which match he was substituted in.
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Who is our number 16 at Telford? Has Baker come back on? I can't even remember which match he was substituted in.
Bree.
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Ah yes, of course!
McCormack could've scored twelve by now.
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Veretout has been really good in that game, totally controlling the midfield.
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Veretout has been really good in that game, totally controlling the midfield.
Just had a truly horrific effort at goal, sliced it out for a throw in. Did really well in the build up though.
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Which match is Bruce at, and who is managing us in the other one?
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Which match is Bruce at, and who is managing us in the other one?
Telford and Calderwood. I think.
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Richards made to look a mug by a trialist for the shit.
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If Davis can learn how to use his size a little better he could be a really good player in a year or 2, his technique and movement is good but he lets people get too close to the ball.
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Which match is Bruce at, and who is managing us in the other one?
Telford and Calderwood. I think.
Ta.
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And Richards is subbed which weakens the opposition.
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Channel hopping ive missed all three goals and the subs!
just scroll back at the bottom of the screen
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Gardner still looks a bit crap.
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Thor really is rubbish, isn't he?
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I would sooner see Samba play than Richards and I dont particularly want to see Samba.
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Veretout would be ace in the league we're in!
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I was about to say we look pretty crap at the shit and we almost scored thanks to a comical own goal.
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I didn't realise Tommy Mooney's son played for us.
Is Steven Pressley's son on the bench?
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Bit worrying how the trialist brothers are causing us so many problems.
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Gardner off and Abdo on. Corey Taylor on for Hutton.
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Bloody hell. Some Samba quality there. Impressive.
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How much are we playing John Terry? Could have signed Samba for a fraction of the price!
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Good run and cracking ball through by Samba. Might be worth having the option for the right money?
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Knibbs (20 in the telford game) looks very quick but hasn't got himself into the game yet.
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How much are we playing John Terry? Could have signed Samba for a fraction of the price!
And at least Samba could be bothered to play. 60k a week and watches tennis instead.
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How much are we playing John Terry? Could have signed Samba for a fraction of the price!
And at least Samba could be bothered to play. 60k a week and watches tennis instead.
Leader!
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Was he really at the tennis? I'm not sure if this is part of some jolly jape that I missed.
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Solid stuff so far in both games and lots of players not even involved this evening.
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Was he really at the tennis? I'm not sure if this is part of some jolly jape that I missed.
The commentator for the Kiddie game said he was at Wimbledon today so I assume it's true.
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Was he really at the tennis? I'm not sure if this is part of some jolly jape that I missed.
Nope. He was at Wimbledon with his family.
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McKirdy scores.
Calderwood Villa 3 Bruce Villa 3.
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3-0 at Kiddy, tp in for McKirdy
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Shit 0-3 Villa. McKirdy.
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Another Villa pen at Telford.
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Lansbury scores. 4-0.
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4-0 Henri
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Lansbury takes a mean penalty
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When I was just a little boy, I asked my mother what will I be.
Will I be Kiddy, will I be green, here's what she said to me.
Wash your mouth out son, and go get your father's gun etc etc
We hate Kiddy and we hate Kiddy.
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Another Villa pen at Telford.
Brilliant break from defence by mitch clark to create it, he looks a good young player despite being a bit small for a centre half.
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He's eighteen, so there's still a chance he could get taller.
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FT KH 0 Villa 3.
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And FT AFCTU 0 Villa 4.
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Good stuff. Enjoyed that. I think I may have been wrong about Samba, I thought he looked good.
Someone slap some sense in to me.
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I think the claret and blue Villa would beat the black one, who've done a tribute to Bill Hicks' JFK sketch for most of the second half. When I saw the lineups I thought that the team at Telford had the more interesting midfield, but the one at Kiddy the more interesting foward line, but Hogan and McCormack look a fair bit off the pace.
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Bree looked quite tasty I thought
Thor didn't look great
We had a lot of very small kids come on who looked quite skilful but like they'd never make it physically
Bit of a shame that none of our main strikers scored
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We didn't win 56-0 in either match. Not good enough. Sack him now.
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disagree about Thor. I thought he linked up play in midfield quite well. Other notable nods to Veretout, Samba, Hourihane, Chester, and O'hare. Amavi looked good as the 2nd half went on.
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I thought McCormack looked dangerous but just couldn't quite score - bit like the start of last season
Can't comment either way on the central midfielders
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I found it very difficult to work out who was who. Hopefully they have their names on their back in a very large typeface on Saturday.
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Veretout was my pick today but I did find myself watch ing that game a lot more, I thought the whole team looked good, Lansbury and Gabby started poorly but got into more after about half hour. Hard to offer much on Adomah or Baker who both went off very early though.
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disagree about Thor. I thought he linked up play in midfield quite well. Other notable nods to Veretout, Samba, Hourihane, Chester, and O'hare. Amavi looked good as the 2nd half went on.
He's got good movement and I like the prospect of him playing wide to give us balance (e.g. Hard working and tucked in, say on the opposite side to green in a four). I just wish he didn't give the ball away so much
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Really great idea to have 2 games on at the same time.
Cracking results! Gosh, to get goals coming in (at a rate of what felt like) constantly.
Excellent decision to field the experience and then, put on the young players.
Thank you, Steve Bruce.
If this is a preview of the coming season, I am a total fan.
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Yeah good job all around. FYI if anyone missed the games the full games are now up to watch again. NICE!
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Hmm, life's a bit short for watching them through now even if at the same time. Any highlights around?
-
Hmm, life's a bit short for watching them through now even if at the same time. Any highlights around?
If you're just wanting the goals ...
Telford game:
39:50 - Green deflected goal - https://youtu.be/MnhJNgZEyQk?t=39m50s (https://youtu.be/MnhJNgZEyQk?t=39m50s)
1:08:30 - First penalty - https://youtu.be/MnhJNgZEyQk?t=1h08m30s (https://youtu.be/MnhJNgZEyQk?t=1h08m30s)
1:12:10 - Gabby goal - https://youtu.be/MnhJNgZEyQk?t=1h12m10s (https://youtu.be/MnhJNgZEyQk?t=1h12m10s)
1:43:20 - Second penalty - https://youtu.be/MnhJNgZEyQk?t=1h43m20s (https://youtu.be/MnhJNgZEyQk?t=1h43m20s)
Kidderminster game:
12:50 - Hourihane goal - https://youtu.be/wyy8SNJrWSM?t=12m50s (https://youtu.be/wyy8SNJrWSM?t=12m50s)
33:50 - Chester goal - https://youtu.be/wyy8SNJrWSM?t=33m50s (https://youtu.be/wyy8SNJrWSM?t=33m50s)
1:42:00 - McKirdy goal - https://youtu.be/wyy8SNJrWSM?t=1h42m00s (https://youtu.be/wyy8SNJrWSM?t=1h42m00s)
I've tried to have them early enough to show the build up for most, the chester one is from a free kick and there was a fair bit of standing about so that's closer to the goal that the others.
For me the gabby goal is the best of the lot, really good cross from Bree and great build up by him and o'Hare down the right. The Hourihane one is the sort of messy shit that we've conceded far too often in the last few years.
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disagree about Thor. I thought he linked up play in midfield quite well. Other notable nods to Veretout, Samba, Hourihane, Chester, and O'hare. Amavi looked good as the 2nd half went on.
Interesting that he was involved and I guess it could either mean that he is in Bruce's plans for next season or he's in the shop window. I kind of hope that it is the former as I think there is player in there and he could definitely contribute, but I'm guessing he is also one of our few sellable assets so might need to be sold if an offer comes in to raise some funds.
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thanks posting that paul_e. I watched most of it last night (whilst I was working *cough*) but good to see some highlights again...
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It was depressing to lots of Villa players dropping like flies on tackles. Is it now a football thing just to feign injury all the time?
Fair play to Trialist No 20 on Kiddie who popped right up one time after a hard tackle at the start of the 2nd half.
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Did Gerald Appleyard play, and was he any good?
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How about a caption competition...
Photo from Birmingham Mail.
(http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article13325891.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/JS125234787.jpg)
Holy Shit, Hutton got a cross into the box.
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I watched a half of each game. Amavi and Green looked good down the left hand side and Samba might be an ideal player to bring on in the last 10-15 minutes of games if he get's a contract.
Bjarnnason looked the pick of the bunch for me in the second half of the Kiddy game. I think he'll be an important player if he nails down a starting place.
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How did Mitchell Clark play? I only had it on in the background. Was he at centre back? That run for the second penalty was like nothing I've seen a Villa player do for a very long time!
-
How did Mitchell Clark play? I only had it on in the background. Was he at centre back? That run for the second penalty was like nothing I've seen a Villa player do for a very long time!
He did well, swept up behind Samba well so the latter could come out and win anything they hit long. He is a bit short but his distribution was good and his position was good so he might be able to convert to a defensive midfielder. In general the defence in the Telford game looked very comfortable, not like the other game where I saw Hutton and Richards both get skinned a couple of times.
-
Hmm, life's a bit short for watching them through now even if at the same time. Any highlights around?
If you're just wanting the goals ...
Telford game:
39:50 - Green deflected goal - https://youtu.be/MnhJNgZEyQk?t=39m50s (https://youtu.be/MnhJNgZEyQk?t=39m50s)
1:08:30 - First penalty - https://youtu.be/MnhJNgZEyQk?t=1h08m30s (https://youtu.be/MnhJNgZEyQk?t=1h08m30s)
1:12:10 - Gabby goal - https://youtu.be/MnhJNgZEyQk?t=1h12m10s (https://youtu.be/MnhJNgZEyQk?t=1h12m10s)
1:43:20 - Second penalty - https://youtu.be/MnhJNgZEyQk?t=1h43m20s (https://youtu.be/MnhJNgZEyQk?t=1h43m20s)
Kidderminster game:
12:50 - Hourihane goal - https://youtu.be/wyy8SNJrWSM?t=12m50s (https://youtu.be/wyy8SNJrWSM?t=12m50s)
33:50 - Chester goal - https://youtu.be/wyy8SNJrWSM?t=33m50s (https://youtu.be/wyy8SNJrWSM?t=33m50s)
1:42:00 - McKirdy goal - https://youtu.be/wyy8SNJrWSM?t=1h42m00s (https://youtu.be/wyy8SNJrWSM?t=1h42m00s)
I've tried to have them early enough to show the build up for most, the chester one is from a free kick and there was a fair bit of standing about so that's closer to the goal that the others.
For me the gabby goal is the best of the lot, really good cross from Bree and great build up by him and o'Hare down the right. The Hourihane one is the sort of messy shit that we've conceded far too often in the last few years.
Thanks, Paul!
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I didn't recognise half our players. Makes you realise how much we depend on the names on the backs of shirts.
Who was the young lad that ran most of the pitch before he was felled for the second peno?
And McKirdy looks about 13...Hogan didn't congratulate him on the goal, probably pissed that he didn't get on the scoresheet himself. Interesting interview with him on Pravda about his targets for this season, he comes across very self-confident.
-
Hmm, life's a bit short for watching them through now even if at the same time. Any highlights around?
If you're just wanting the goals ...
Telford game:
39:50 - Green deflected goal - https://youtu.be/MnhJNgZEyQk?t=39m50s (https://youtu.be/MnhJNgZEyQk?t=39m50s)
1:08:30 - First penalty - https://youtu.be/MnhJNgZEyQk?t=1h08m30s (https://youtu.be/MnhJNgZEyQk?t=1h08m30s)
1:12:10 - Gabby goal - https://youtu.be/MnhJNgZEyQk?t=1h12m10s (https://youtu.be/MnhJNgZEyQk?t=1h12m10s)
1:43:20 - Second penalty - https://youtu.be/MnhJNgZEyQk?t=1h43m20s (https://youtu.be/MnhJNgZEyQk?t=1h43m20s)
Kidderminster game:
12:50 - Hourihane goal - https://youtu.be/wyy8SNJrWSM?t=12m50s (https://youtu.be/wyy8SNJrWSM?t=12m50s)
33:50 - Chester goal - https://youtu.be/wyy8SNJrWSM?t=33m50s (https://youtu.be/wyy8SNJrWSM?t=33m50s)
1:42:00 - McKirdy goal - https://youtu.be/wyy8SNJrWSM?t=1h42m00s (https://youtu.be/wyy8SNJrWSM?t=1h42m00s)
I've tried to have them early enough to show the build up for most, the chester one is from a free kick and there was a fair bit of standing about so that's closer to the goal that the others.
For me the gabby goal is the best of the lot, really good cross from Bree and great build up by him and o'Hare down the right. The Hourihane one is the sort of messy shit that we've conceded far too often in the last few years.
Thanks for that. Just posted it on our FB Page.
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How did Mitchell Clark play? I only had it on in the background. Was he at centre back? That run for the second penalty was like nothing I've seen a Villa player do for a very long time!
He did well, swept up behind Samba well so the latter could come out and win anything they hit long. He is a bit short but his distribution was good and his position was good so he might be able to convert to a defensive midfielder. In general the defence in the Telford game looked very comfortable, not like the other game where I saw Hutton and Richards both get skinned a couple of times.
Does Clark normally play centre back? He looked tiny for a centre back
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I didn't recognise half our players. Makes you realise how much we depend on the names on the backs of shirts.
Who was the young lad that ran most of the pitch before he was felled for the second peno?
And McKirdy looks about 13...Hogan didn't congratulate him on the goal, probably pissed that he didn't get on the scoresheet himself. Interesting interview with him on Pravda about his targets for this season, he comes across very self-confident.
The lad for the 2nd pen was Mitch Clark, centre half who is, as you can tell from this thread, a bit short, he looked good though. o'Hare (wearing 29 in the Telford game) was the standout of the kids for me, he looked really dangerous.
-
Hmm, life's a bit short for watching them through now even if at the same time. Any highlights around?
If you're just wanting the goals ...
Telford game:
39:50 - Green deflected goal - https://youtu.be/MnhJNgZEyQk?t=39m50s (https://youtu.be/MnhJNgZEyQk?t=39m50s)
1:08:30 - First penalty - https://youtu.be/MnhJNgZEyQk?t=1h08m30s (https://youtu.be/MnhJNgZEyQk?t=1h08m30s)
1:12:10 - Gabby goal - https://youtu.be/MnhJNgZEyQk?t=1h12m10s (https://youtu.be/MnhJNgZEyQk?t=1h12m10s)
1:43:20 - Second penalty - https://youtu.be/MnhJNgZEyQk?t=1h43m20s (https://youtu.be/MnhJNgZEyQk?t=1h43m20s)
Kidderminster game:
12:50 - Hourihane goal - https://youtu.be/wyy8SNJrWSM?t=12m50s (https://youtu.be/wyy8SNJrWSM?t=12m50s)
33:50 - Chester goal - https://youtu.be/wyy8SNJrWSM?t=33m50s (https://youtu.be/wyy8SNJrWSM?t=33m50s)
1:42:00 - McKirdy goal - https://youtu.be/wyy8SNJrWSM?t=1h42m00s (https://youtu.be/wyy8SNJrWSM?t=1h42m00s)
I've tried to have them early enough to show the build up for most, the chester one is from a free kick and there was a fair bit of standing about so that's closer to the goal that the others.
For me the gabby goal is the best of the lot, really good cross from Bree and great build up by him and o'Hare down the right. The Hourihane one is the sort of messy shit that we've conceded far too often in the last few years.
Thanks for that. Just posted it on our FB Page.
No worries, I'd missed a few of them myself so I been skipping through to find them anyway, taking note of the times as I did wasn't much effort and I figured it might be useful for people.
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How did Mitchell Clark play? I only had it on in the background. Was he at centre back? That run for the second penalty was like nothing I've seen a Villa player do for a very long time!
He did well, swept up behind Samba well so the latter could come out and win anything they hit long. He is a bit short but his distribution was good and his position was good so he might be able to convert to a defensive midfielder. In general the defence in the Telford game looked very comfortable, not like the other game where I saw Hutton and Richards both get skinned a couple of times.
Thanks. It's a shame he isn't a few inches taller, as I think that will be his undoing as a centre back. That run though was mightily impressive, no matter what position he was playing in. He looks a real asset; I hope we can find a position for him to thrive in.
-
How did Mitchell Clark play? I only had it on in the background. Was he at centre back? That run for the second penalty was like nothing I've seen a Villa player do for a very long time!
He did well, swept up behind Samba well so the latter could come out and win anything they hit long. He is a bit short but his distribution was good and his position was good so he might be able to convert to a defensive midfielder. In general the defence in the Telford game looked very comfortable, not like the other game where I saw Hutton and Richards both get skinned a couple of times.
Thanks. It's a shame he isn't a few inches taller, as I think that will be his undoing as a centre back. That run though was mightily impressive, no matter what position he was playing in. He looks a real asset; I hope we can find a position for him to thrive in.
Defensive MF?
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For those who were wondering, the second game over in Germany on the Tuesday has been switched to a place called Erkenschwick.
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Does anyone know if there are any tickets left for the Walsall match ? The online link doesn't seem to be working and I've been on hold on the phone to the club for about 15 minutes !
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For those who were wondering, the second game over in Germany on the Tuesday has been switched to a place called Erkenschwick.
Is that a real place???
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For those who were wondering, the second game over in Germany on the Tuesday has been switched to a place called Erkenschwick.
Is that a real place???
Apparently so and they have their own team!
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Another player who impressed me on Wednesday was that Jacob Bedeau. He looked very comfortable on the ball.
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For those who were wondering, the second game over in Germany on the Tuesday has been switched to a place called Erkenschwick.
Is that a real place???
Apparently so and they have their own team!
They seem to have 2 teams; SpVgg Erkenschwick and FC 26 Erkenschwick. 2 grounds right next to each other.
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Imagine if they teamed up? The force of a combined Erkenschwick would be unstoppable!
-
WATCH LIVE HERE: Shrewsbury Town v Aston Villa
https://www.avfc.co.uk/News/2017/07/14/watch-live-here-shrewsbury-v-villa
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Great line up,he means business !
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We've fucked this up. No taxi till quater last three... might make the second half!
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No Lansbury, that's a surprise.
Solid 442, Green and Barney wide with Veretout and Hourihane central.
Terry named captain.
Looks a decent side.
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Yes decent side and this one isn't bad either !
Steer
Bree
Samba
Baker
Amavi
Adomah
Lansbury
Jedi
Grealish
Kodjia
RHM
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WATCH LIVE HERE: Shrewsbury Town v Aston Villa
https://www.avfc.co.uk/News/2017/07/14/watch-live-here-shrewsbury-v-villa
I will. Thank you very much!
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What was the starting line up?
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Johnstone, Hutton, Chester, Twat ©, Taylor, Green, Veretout, Hourihane, Bjarnason, McCormack, Hogan.
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Lovely ball inside the full back from Veretout there, Taylor needed to get a better cross from that.
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Abba really is poor isn't he.
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Good stuff by Hutton and Green.
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We still shit ourselves with the ball any time an opposition player comes close.
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And our throw ins are still shit.
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You may as well kick the ball out as give it to Hutton in an attacking position
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Let off there.
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Bruce clearly having a look at Veretout
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McCormack looks proper pub right now.
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I have to say the coverage is excellent. Watching it on my TV through YouTube.
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Green is so much more dangerous on the right than the left.
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Green, Veretout and Barney look okay. All a bit laid back.
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What's the status with Jack?
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Hutton was always going to foul him then
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Green, Veretout and Barney look okay. All a bit laid back.
Agree on the first the latter suffers the same problem as Hutton, he does all the things that fans like to see but just doesn't offer any threat.
RM and Hourihane have bene poor for me and Taylor looks very limited.
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Still can't see what style of play they are actually trying to attempt
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Still can't see what style of play they are actually trying to attempt
Seems to be give the ball to Green and hope if I'm honest.
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Fat Ross has been awful, we seem to have no idea how to play to Hogan's strengths. Hutton and Green looked okay, as did Veretout in patches. We're still far too slow in attack though and our passing is still crap. Still, a point away from home is always a decent result!
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I know I'm not allowed to say it.
But I'm going to anyway...that was fucking shit.
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All this money spent..not sure to what effect!
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It's going to take a while to get used to hearing Terry's name in the commentary.
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Still can't see what style of play they are actually trying to attempt
Me neither. I know it's early days but it's a tough call to say which team are the Third Division outfit.
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Thought Green was our best player that half. McCormack did OK, Hogan anonymous, Chester and Terry looked OK together. Thor anonymous, Hourihane busy.
Interesting to see what the team is like 2nd half.
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I agree Green was our best player first half.
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What's the status with Jack?
He's been on playing in goals whilst they were all out in Portugal !
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Sounds a bit rubbish - but friendlies often are
Good to hear green doing ok
The big thing we need to work on this summer is pattern of play. I gather little signe of that so far
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No HT subs.
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Jack has been given extra time off due to his international commitments though I believe he didn't actually play one single minute for the under 21s !?
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My word McCormack is shocking. Green is our only attacking threat.
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The midfielders are always so deep in this side - all they get to do really is play the Westwood role of working it around the middle, instead of actually being able to attempt some threatening passes.
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Micah fcukin Richards just fcuk off.
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Richards on and given the armband.
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Richards on and given the armband.
Heard that. Unfookingbelieveable.
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I like Bruce in his made to measure fitted top. Looks as though Pies were on the menu at the all inclusive holiday resort.
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I'm actually beginning to think he's part of Bruce's plans this season.
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Richards on and given the armband.
Yes another problem with Bruce as the manager.
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I'm actually beginning to think he's part of Bruce's plans this season.
Utter rubbish. As if Steve Bruce has a plan!
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Richards on and given the armband.
Hope its a farewell present.
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Unlucky from Gards!
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Great effort Gards.
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If there's f--- all money to spend and we can't shift anyone, why wouldn't Bruce look at all his current options?
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Fair play to those that have travelled you must be mad!
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Looking at him is one thing, giving him the armband is another even if it is just a friendly.
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We ain't getting promoted if we continue playing this 8-0-2 formation.
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Hutton at CB is, er, 'interesting'.
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Lulz 1-0 down
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Lulz 1-0 down
And we've been so good too. Life is cruel.
-
This is crap...I'm off to watch the Tour de France instead.
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Commentator- Amavi, what can he do?
Answer- Not a fucking lot.
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Great work by Amavi to give the corner and even better defending from Gardner.
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Commentator- Amavi, what can he do?
Answer- Not a fucking lot.
It was I can't be bothered with this so I will just swing a leg.
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Hutton and Richards as the CB pairing, sexy times.
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Someone at Sevilla played a blinder there.
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So I can only assume the instruction is the two central midfielders are not to move forwards and attack at all. It's going to be long hard season isn't it.
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2-0 haha
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2-0.
It's all part of the plan....
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Any regrets yet Terry?
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Fucking rubbish
-
At least Angela can play a killer ball. To a Shrewsbury forward.
-
Good to see that the double training sessions have paid off...
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On the basis that I've seen no discernible difference between the tripe served up last season and these three games I say Bruce out before the season starts.
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I like how the commentator keeps saying "a chance to use one of those set pieces they've been training on in Portugal" and 5 seconds later we see a truly abysmal set piece.
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Good grief, Richards really is incredibly fat.
-
Watch Richards movement during that second goal.
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Watch Richards movement during that second goal.
Which part of him moved, his arse or his belly?
-
Good grief, Richards really is incredibly fat.
And incredibly shit.
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Boooooo!
-
Normal service resumed.
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Richards looks like one of those fans that's won a competition to play in a game for 10 minutes.
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I am hoping that most of these players want to get away so not wanting to get injured by putting some effort in to the match.
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What did they do in Portugal exactly..play golf?
I know it's only a friendly but I remain convinced that Bruce has absolutely no idea what he is doing...
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Beyond dismal. I cannot fucking believe my eyes.
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Good grief, Richards really is incredibly fat.
And incredibly shit.
It's good to see he takes his responsibility as club clown on and off the pitch very seriously.
I know it's a friendly, but the fact SB gave him the armband and that we look no better than Shrewsbury Town worries me.
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I really haven't a clue what we're trying to do so far in these friendlies as we seem to have no real style of play or any kind of plan. And no, i'm not Steve Bruce.
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Penalty, it looked a bit of a soft one.
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The comeback is on.
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Penalty? Really?
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Clueless knob. This man will not get us promoted.
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Angie scores, 2-1.
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I knew Shrews couldn't hang on with our incessant pressure
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FT. Utter shit.
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Booooooooooo!!!!!!!
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Same old, same old.
Inability to create or take chances.
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FT. Utter shit.
Don't agree it was worse than that.
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It's actually quite an impressive achievement to look that bad against a Division 3 side.
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FT. Utter shit.
Don't agree it was worse than that.
Don't agree it was much worse than that.
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Poor shape, pedestrian and toothless
Its going to be a long season
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Forget that shit, Froome just took the yellow jersey back :)
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Oh come on who really cares about a pre season friendly let's see what happens in 3 weeks.
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One paced, laborious, predicable. No ability to make or create space. No ability to move the opposition around.
That was us last season.
There has been no footballing epiphany over the summer.
Bruce has just shown that we should expect the same next season.
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Plus points.....one more step towards Bruce's exit.
Minus points....life's too short...haven't got time.
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lots of people seemed to think that if Bruce had a pre-season with the squad things would be better, when will we start seeing evidence of it?
Hutton at centre half is possibly the worst positional decision I've seen, he had no idea what he was doing.
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Bruce out!
Richards why? Awful just like every Villa fan in the world knew he would be.
Amavi - worst left back I have ever seen play for us (and yes I saw Bernie Gallagher).
Hutton at centre back when Samba is on the bench?
Tsibola was awful. Lansbury not great. Gardner at least put an effort in.
I just don't think Bruce has a clue about tactics, or training.
The team in the first half was far better though.
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lots of people seemed to think that if Bruce had a pre-season with the squad things would be better, when will we start seeing evidence of it?
Hutton at centre half is possibly the worst positional decision I've seen, he had no idea what he was doing.
He had 3/4 of a season with us...a pre season isn't and hasn't made a jot of difference. No tactics, way too deep, forwards isolated, no cohesion...oh I could go on...it's been awful under him.
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My eagerness to buy tickets for the first game has just taken a battering.
Can't see any difference from last season. Complete shambles, Richards as captain sums it up.
Only Green and Davis looked the part today.
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AshtonVilla is right though the 8 changes led to their goals does anyone seriously think Hutton and Richards will be our centre halves next season ?
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Oh come on who really cares about a pre season friendly let's see what happens in 3 weeks.
Yes very funny.
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Reckon Richards is playing (if you can even call it that) to get paid off.
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Where to fcukin start with that. I have no idea why we signed Hogan. He may as well be in the stand getting paid for all the service we give him.
Are Hutton and Richards going to be the Centre Half pairing for next season - no so why fcukin put them there.
Richards in Shrewsbury let alone being given the captaincy is a complete piss take.
No discernible difference not one from last season. He needs to go before the season starts. Why wait for the inevitable end of September sacking.
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We've fucked this up. No taxi till quater last three... might make the second half!
You shouldn't have spent so long on Pride Hill asking the locals whether they pronounce it 'Shrow' or 'Shrew'.😉
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Lethargic, lack of urgency, mediocrity, you name it was all in evidence today. No spark at all. Where was Samba? One of the better performers in midweek, nowhere....
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Having watched the three games so far only confirmed what I thought at the back-end of last season.
Hourihane was way way over-hyped, his free-kicks and corners are exact replica's of Westwoods and he seems to have lost any ability he may have had to actually pass a ball further than 5-yards, never mind forward.
Amavi is definitely not a leftback.
McCormack needs to lose two stone. Its obvious to see the football brain is there but, he's too slow in his reactions to take advantage of that brain.
Hogan makes some great runs but, unless someone other than Hutton, at least tries to feed him some decent balls, he will become discouraged pretty quickly.
Andre Green, Keinan Davis and Harry McKirdy look even more like great prospects.
Thor, (Bjarnason), looks like he could develop into a useful player.
Mr.Bruce needs to settle on a formation and play it pretty quickly.
4-4-2 isn't going to work with the players we've got in midfield.
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Richards looks like one of those fans that's won a competition to play in a game for 10 minutes.
That's exactly what I was thinking before I read your post!
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I am absolutely livid at the performance. Absolute shocking stuff.
To give wickets away so cheaply. Disgusting stuff.
Was there football today?
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I won't get too downbeat as ir was only a friendly but even so, I would have expected to see us create a chance. I can't remember one chance that we had. The penalty was a poor decision and the only shot on target. Nothing from outfield. I thought Hogan actually moved well but the ball was never put in front of him. Hourihane picks it up deep and we have no movement from midfield or nous to get the ball to Hogan in the right areas. That was incredibly disappointing.
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Lethargic, lack of urgency, mediocrity, you name it was all in evidence today. No spark at all. Where was Samba? One of the better performers in midweek, nowhere....
For a team that is desperate to hit the ground running, we look the same old plodding outfit we've done for so long now.
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Still, we were excellent in the last minute
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We go again.......I'll get my coat.
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Bruce and calderwood have to solve a tactical puzzle this summer - how to make sure we have goal threat, are robust and can keep the ball
This is tough as none of the options seem to quite work on paper. And no signs we're solving it yet, it seems
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I sent a text to jnr at full time telling him the final score and his response was;
....."we are shit"
Its hard to argue with that
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People really getting worked up about pre season games again?
Didn't Lincoln beat us one of the summers we finished 6th under MON?
I'd say the one to judge would be Watford a week before the season as I remember last year Boro turned up and played us off the pitch and that set the tone for the start of last season when we could hardly win a game.
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Off the wall I know but if the ingredients you are given are...beef . Onion. Beer chorizo. Ginger.. .you can't make a chicken curry with it.
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Some restaurants down the Balti belt can.
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It is a friendly...an excersise where you try out different formations, a chance to look at different options, and a chance to get players fit ready for the start of the season. The result really doesn't matter at the end of the day. There was a time you didn't even know when a pre season friendly was going ahead..nowadays to some people the results of a friendly is fundamental to how our season is going to pan out. Some people really need to get a grip.
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I am absolutely livid at the performance. Absolute shocking stuff.
To give wickets away so cheaply. Disgusting stuff.
Was there football today?
Quality.
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Amavi, worth keeping I think the other thread alluded to.
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I don't give a shit about the result, surprisingly though I do give a shit that we look incapable of creating many chances, are still slow and ponderous on the ball, regularly gave the ball ball away, most of the players looked like they'd never seen each other before and that we struggled to take a decent throw in or set piece and still look like we have no real plan on how to win a game apart from hope something happens. That it was the same as so much of last season is why it could, or maybe should, be a concern.
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I don't give a shit about the result, surprisingly though I do give a shit that we look incapable of creating many chances, are still slow and ponderous on the ball, regularly gave the ball ball away, most of the players looked like they'd never seen each other before and that we struggled to take a decent throw in or set piece and still look like we have no real plan on how to win a game apart from hope something happens. That it was the same as so much of last season is why it could, or maybe should, be a concern.
Exactly, I give a shit that we have all the same problems going forward that we had for most of last season and whatever they've done so far in pre-season learning how to look like a team that know each other doesn't appear to have been on the list. I also give a shit and that he appears to be trying to integrate Gabby, Richards and McCormack back into the team when the first 2 have stunk the squad out for ages and the latter was so unprofessional that even Bruce had enough of him last year.
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Fantastic day out.
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Agree with both of the above. I've been a supporter of the manager even during the dirge of January but fcuk me along with other managers he does seem to have this egotistical self destruct button that will I have almost no doubt be his downfall. Micah fcukin Richards as Captain it defies any logic in any stratosphere.
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Disclaimer: only an early preseason friendly.
Unavoidable: all the problems of last season on show. Utterly unable to create chances. No movement, no nous, just a non-functioning mass of rubbish.
McCormack is fat, Richards is shit AND a ******, and there are few things more depressing than the sight of Gabby ambling onto the pitch.
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I hope John Terrys' phone conversations with his ex team mates aren't how I imagine they will be.
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Agree with both of the above. I've been a supporter of the manager even during the dirge of January but fcuk me along with other managers he does seem to have this egotistical self destruct button that will I have almost no doubt be his downfall. Micah fcukin Richards as Captain it defies any logic in any stratosphere.
Micah Richards defies logic.
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Jesus, shame the bookmakers don't really pay much attention to these warm up games.
Roll on Hull 3 weeks.
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A lot of people are saying the result doesn't matter, imo it does can someone tell me how are we going to develope a winning mentality by playing poorly and losing?
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I am absolutely livid at the performance. Absolute shocking stuff.
To give wickets away so cheaply. Disgusting stuff.
Was there football today?
Quality.
Good to see a meeting of minds on here.
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Right now Hull are losing 2-0 at home to Oxford. So if pre season results at this stage are so important then we should be OK first game.
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Right now Hull are losing 2-0 at home to Oxford. So if pre season results at this stage are so important then we should be OK first game.
Sense finally.
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A lot of people are saying the result doesn't matter, imo it does can someone tell me how are we going to develope a winning mentality by playing poorly and losing?
Because we're fans we want us to win every game regardless. Unfortunately the players aren't fans so I'm guessing it's all about minutes on the pitch and the result is meaningless. Brilliant day today, Shrewsbury is a beautiful town.
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What I hope Steve Bruce learned today is not to play two right backs in central defence, we were playing OK until then! That and never picking donkeys like Amavi and Richards and expecting not to concede goals.
Positives
Thought Hourihane, Lansbury were both ok. Bree looked ok. Hutton was good at right back. Terry Chester Taylor Hutton look a very solid back 4. Green looked good.
Worries
Hogan and McCormack never look like scoring. Both are good players, but Bruce sets us up so no movement and no service.
Meh
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Hourihane was okay when he picked up the ball but there was little to no creativity from him.
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What I hope Steve Bruce learned today is not to play two right backs in central defence, we were playing OK until then! That and never picking donkeys like Amavi and Richards and expecting not to concede goals.
Positives
Thought Hourihane, Lansbury were both ok. Bree looked ok. Hutton was good at right back. Terry Chester Taylor Hutton look a very solid back 4. Green looked good.
Worries
Hogan and McCormack never look like scoring. Both are good players, but Bruce sets us up so no movement and no service.
Meh
Amavi was fine when he came on, yes he put the ball out for the corner they scored from but he didn't really have many other options. Other that he, like everyone, played a few misplaced passes. He was certainly far from being one of the 2 worst players on the pitch as your post suggests.
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Obviously the result doesn't matter but the fact that our style of play remains turgid and disjointed is pretty dispiriting.
I guess the penny should have dropped long ago that Bruce is not going to try and play an expansive, attacking style at this stage of his career. It was just hoped that Calderwood and the young, ex Bluenose chap he has as assistants might have a positive influence in that regard but there's little sign of it.
At least the other promotion faves, Sunderland, lost too. Got whipped 3-0 by mighty St Johnstone.
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We did not create a chance in open play at all. Hogan looked a willing runner but McCormack lost the ball way too often to build an attack. Veretout and Hourihane both sat far to deep, I wanted one of them to kick into the box and add the extra man but neither did. It just highlighted how 2 banks of 4 is the most limited tactic ever if you don't give any freedom within it. Gabby looked to at least turn the defence round, I would like to see him and Hogan together next time out. Just sell McCormack because it isn't going to work with him here.
Terry and Chester looked fine. Taylor looked understandably rusty. Green did well first half.
We have to try the 3 5 2 now though. Especially if it allows the midfield to get forward more.
Oh and Bjarnason looked lost.
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On the plus side Terry looked like the premier league player he is.
On the negative side "Thor" looks like he isn't up to this level of football. By "this level" I mean pre season lower league. :(
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Result doesn't matter but performance does. Are we just going through the motions again.
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Ok I'm not so peturbed by conceding two with a Comedy Central defence that will never play
More concerned to hear we had no shots on target and passed the ball badly despite having a fairly first choice team out there
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Yes it was pre season friendly and yes the result didn't matter and yes it's all about getting fit but BUT how often have we said that in the past 6 seasons? Every season is my guess and look where we have ended up😟
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I don't know, maybe we say it every year? I don't personally give a flying feck what happens in them. I stopped going to England friendlies 10 years ago and I haven't seen Villa play one since Inter whenever that may have been. They get their pound of flesh from me between August and May.
The only friendlies I can recall from days gone by are Tottenham's where they battered everybody senseless pre-season as SSN reported in great detail and were bottom in October.
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It's a friendly where the main objective is to stretch the legs. Bruce out. Dick heads
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Result doesn't matter but performance does. Are we just going through the motions again.
Going through the motions in someone else's car
and I think we missed our turning back there
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Yes it was pre season friendly and yes the result didn't matter and yes it's all about getting fit but BUT how often have we said that in the past 6 seasons? Every season is my guess and look where we have ended up😟
Wolves have won against much better opposition. I bet their fans have a bit more optimism than we do right now. I get the fitness thing but as said above, shit pre season performances have not been turned into decent league ones
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Boring, turgid, disappointing a normal Steve Bruce team
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Just spun through the YouTube vids of the games and I think JV has looked the most impressive midfielder. Still a lack of service to our forward players and has Hogan touched the ball? Thought Davis did well when he came on.
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Championship football is about functional game management and making fewer mistakes than the opposition. You need to abandon any other mind set and acclimatise to the league.
Newcastle had such a good away record because they found a way to pinch goals and squeeze the life from the game. Brighton had Sidwell and Dale Stephens as their central midfield with one outlet ball.
Huddersfield away typified this; we cut them open a few times in the first half, very even thereafter but switch off for a couple of seconds from a corner and that's all she wrote.
Boring, turgid, functional is exactly what you need; Newcastle, Brighton, Burnley, Boro et al have all shown how it's done.
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I think were in cant be arsed mode again
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The result is meaningless in itself, but what would be really nice would be to see the merest glint of hope that this season is going to be better than last. We've only got one new player so far, so it isn't like Bruce is having to get lots of new players bonding, but yesterday was the same witless, lumpen rubbish we had to endure for most of last season under him. No movement, no pace, no guile, and being outpassed. Utter rubbish, in other words. I just want to see something from the pre-season games that shows Bruce is the man to get us up this season.
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It was a disappointing performance but the result doesn't matter too much, just as long as it's not carried on into the season.
-
Championship football is about functional game management and making fewer mistakes than the opposition. You need to abandon any other mind set and acclimatise to the league.
Newcastle had such a good away record because they found a way to pinch goals and squeeze the life from the game. Brighton had Sidwell and Dale Stephens as their central midfield with one outlet ball.
Huddersfield away typified this; we cut them open a few times in the first half, very even thereafter but switch off for a couple of seconds from a corner and that's all she wrote.
Boring, turgid, functional is exactly what you need; Newcastle, Brighton, Burnley, Boro et al have all shown how it's done.
I agree with this. The flaw is we can't even do that properly but as others have said it's a pre season friendly. I'll become worried if we get to the end of August and it hasn't changed.
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Reading the reports the most disappointing thing for me is that Hogan and McCormack as a combination were pretty anonymous.
Steve Bruce will be in big trouble if he tries to brush away a poor start to the season by waiting for Kodjia to get fit, that could be 6 weeks after the season starts at which point we'd have played pretty much 10 league games so a decent chunk of the season.
Of course I accept the midfield set up isn't helping but surely for 25m combined those two should be capable of dangerous moments even from speculative balls.
From all the highlights videos of him at Fulham he was a striker who can create goals out of nothing....25 yard shots into the top corner, ridiculous long range free kicks which has seemed to evaporate here.
Hogan's a little different because it's obvious he's a 6 yard poacher but from what I saw of him last year v QPR and Reading he has little body strength as he was incapable of holding the ball up against the CBs and lost it everytime.
Kodjia is still our number one striker by a country mile and with the speculative forward game we play we need an unpredictable striker who can create chances and goals out of little.
-
Championship football is about functional game management and making fewer mistakes than the opposition. You need to abandon any other mind set and acclimatise to the league.
Newcastle had such a good away record because they found a way to pinch goals and squeeze the life from the game. Brighton had Sidwell and Dale Stephens as their central midfield with one outlet ball.
Huddersfield away typified this; we cut them open a few times in the first half, very even thereafter but switch off for a couple of seconds from a corner and that's all she wrote.
Boring, turgid, functional is exactly what you need; Newcastle, Brighton, Burnley, Boro et al have all shown how it's done.
I agree with this. The flaw is we can't even do that properly but as others have said it's a pre season friendly. I'll become worried if we get to the end of August and it hasn't changed.
I would argue Newcastle went into every game believing they will win. We haven't done that for a long time. Our players think they could probably win.
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Newcastle simply had a much better mentality away from home than we did.
I don't think their home record was much better than ours, fairly sure they lost more at home than us.
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Normally wouldn't blink an eyelid but the total lack of ball skill out there yesterday was worrying. The team itself as it is set up more suited to rdm. As for jt a cut above the rest and stuck out looking like peaches and cream
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It wasn't great yesterday that's for sure. The only player to show any sparkle for me was Green, and Lyden at least showed some intent to get at em in his very brief cameo as well. I didn't think Veretout showed anything unlike some people did, the midfield in general was absolutely awful. And more proof (if needed) that we just can't play with a two man central midfield. We've tried variations and it never seems to work. So why not stick to the three that 'does'? at least in some fashion
Can anyone tell me when Micah Richards got so fat? people went on and on about McCormack and Gabby looking beefy last season but Micah takes the absolute biscuit. By the packet apparently. Absolutely disgusting condition for a professional footballer
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Got a stinking cold so watching the first half now
Poor passing - as soon as we got into a tight position we give it away - main culprits Thor (time and time again - like every time I see him) McCormack, plus sometimes hogan and hourihane
Tend to agree the midfield two doesn't work - but we might need to find a way to make it work. I much prefer the starting back four to a back three and I think Bruce is probably right that we need to play two strikers, or one up and one off. Hourihane and Lansbury both seem pretty powderpuff though
Hogan makes good runs but I think he'll be much better if playing the channels with proper creative players behind him. He was definitely brighter than McCormack
Thought green was ok but some of the praise overdone - edit: in fact he's given it away quite a lot (admittedly playing tucked in on the right which isn't his position)
Overall, id be more worried if we're turning in performances like his in two or three games time. There's still very little discernible pattern of play; and sorting that has to be the big priority. I guess we've only had about three weeks of pre season
But it would be nice if supporting villa wasn't so relentlessly disappointing
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Apart from Veretout who is probably leaving, the enitire midfield contingent has the speed and turning ability of a Caterpillar dump truck. I never thought I would pine for players like Barry Bannan, but he's Lionel Messi compared to the slow motion antics of Lansbury, Hourihane, Gardner and Bjarnason. Is it any wonder that strikers like McCormack and Hogan struggle, when you have such a lack of pace, creativity and more worringly, an inability to find a player with the same coloured shirt, in the middle of the pitch.
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Apart from Veretout who is probably leaving, the enitire midfield contingent has the speed and turning ability of a Caterpillar dump truck. I never thought I would pine for players like Barry Bannan, but he's Lionel Messi compared to the slow motion antics of Lansbury, Hourihane, Gardner and Bjarnason. Is it any wonder that strikers like McCormack and Hogan struggle, when you have such a lack of pace, creativity and more worringly, an inability to find a player with the same coloured shirt, in the middle of the pitch.
I must have missed Veretout's contribution. Because he looked as useless as the rest to me
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I don't understand how Bruce can make a midfield two look so woeful and ineffective, whereas a lot of other Championship teams make it work. Brighton got promoted playing a two with two wingers, one of those midfielders was Sidwell, Chris Hughton must be a miracle worker.
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I don't understand how Bruce can make a midfield two look so woeful and ineffective, whereas a lot of other Championship teams make it work. Brighton got promoted playing a two with two wingers, one of those midfielders was Sidwell, Chris Hughton must be a miracle worker.
You can replace 'Bruce' with 'every villa mananger since MON' though
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I don't understand how Bruce can make a midfield two look so woeful and ineffective, whereas a lot of other Championship teams make it work. Brighton got promoted playing a two with two wingers, one of those midfielders was Sidwell, Chris Hughton must be a miracle worker.
Wouldn't it better to question why none of the two midfielders we've picked to do it can make it work? they're the ones with the ball at their feet after all
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I don't understand how Bruce can make a midfield two look so woeful and ineffective, whereas a lot of other Championship teams make it work. Brighton got promoted playing a two with two wingers, one of those midfielders was Sidwell, Chris Hughton must be a miracle worker.
Wouldn't it better to question why none of the two midfielders we've picked to do it can make it work? they're the ones with the ball at their feet after all
If you put Xavi and Iniesta in a midfield two in, say, that Wimbleton team of the 80s and 90s where the job of the centre mids was basically to kick the shit out of anyone who dared to pass through, and punt any ball that fell to them into the corners for someone to chase, do you really think they would've distinguished themselves in any way?
It's basically impossible for any midfielder to show what they're capable of if the setup isn't right. It doesn't have to be perfectly accommodating for them, but we're not close to finding something that's helpful.
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The other issue was that the back four were sitting far too deep, probably worried about our lack of pace, meaning that the midfield were also sitting too deep. The forwards had to then come to the half way line just to try and link-up play and get the ball. Misplacing paces really is neither here nor there when you're just picking up the fitness levels, but getting the set-up wrong is not something that will improve with more games.
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I don't understand how Bruce can make a midfield two look so woeful and ineffective, whereas a lot of other Championship teams make it work. Brighton got promoted playing a two with two wingers, one of those midfielders was Sidwell, Chris Hughton must be a miracle worker.
Wouldn't it better to question why none of the two midfielders we've picked to do it can make it work? they're the ones with the ball at their feet after all
Or ask the question, how can we sign two of the best central midfielders in The Championship and turn them into average players lacking any spark or ability to play attacking football ?
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I just wonder if they really were two of the best? They both score goals I agree. But I don't remember either looking great against us - Westwood and Gardner bossed the game at home to forest and it's not often you can say that!
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I don't understand how Bruce can make a midfield two look so woeful and ineffective, whereas a lot of other Championship teams make it work. Brighton got promoted playing a two with two wingers, one of those midfielders was Sidwell, Chris Hughton must be a miracle worker.
Wouldn't it better to question why none of the two midfielders we've picked to do it can make it work? they're the ones with the ball at their feet after all
Or ask the question, how can we sign two of the best central midfielders in The Championship and turn them into average players lacking any spark or ability to play attacking football ?
Well i can only speak for myself but i've never rated Lansbury as anything near being one of the best in the Championship. And his brief stint at Villa so far hasn't changed that view. I see signs in Hourihane that he can be a very good player for us, but he's certainly not performing at his Barnsley level yet. But i don't see how the manager can be blamed for a player not playing at his best
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I certainly don't recall either being linked with moves to the prem - may be wrongly though
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Fully agree. thoroughly underwhelmed by him. We need a player in the middle who can make things happen, Can get at teams, run at players, that's not Lansbury. Great from the spot though...
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I'd settle for central midfielders who can pass the ball reliably and wide players who can deliver quality.
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Apart from Veretout who is probably leaving, the enitire midfield contingent has the speed and turning ability of a Caterpillar dump truck. I never thought I would pine for players like Barry Bannan, but he's Lionel Messi compared to the slow motion antics of Lansbury, Hourihane, Gardner and Bjarnason. Is it any wonder that strikers like McCormack and Hogan struggle, when you have such a lack of pace, creativity and more worringly, an inability to find a player with the same coloured shirt, in the middle of the pitch.
Hourihane was very much a box to box player at BarnsleyI don't understand how Bruce can make a midfield two look so woeful and ineffective, whereas a lot of other Championship teams make it work. Brighton got promoted playing a two with two wingers, one of those midfielders was Sidwell, Chris Hughton must be a miracle worker.
Wouldn't it better to question why none of the two midfielders we've picked to do it can make it work? they're the ones with the ball at their feet after all
If you put Xavi and Iniesta in a midfield two in, say, that Wimbleton team of the 80s and 90s where the job of the centre mids was basically to kick the shit out of anyone who dared to pass through, and punt any ball that fell to them into the corners for someone to chase, do you really think they would've distinguished themselves in any way?
It's basically impossible for any midfielder to show what they're capable of if the setup isn't right. It doesn't have to be perfectly accommodating for them, but we're not close to finding something that's helpful.
On a lesser scale it's a little similar to when we we had Petrov-Barry as the midfield combination (sorry to be all nostalgic to the days when we could actually win a match or two).
Both excellent and clever footballers and they could certainly keep the ball effectively and also move it out quickly to Young so he could get one v one with the full back.
However it was one paced and we struggled many times when teams would come to VP and play three centrally against them.
Always looked better when we put another body in there like NRC or Sidwell even if they were average. Even better when Milner was moved there and it felt like two players alongside Petrov given the vast distance he covered every match.
I still think we need Jedinak or another player of his ilk in there but at the same time we must give more licence for Hourihane and especially Lansbury to push forward and actually join Kodjia in the box for crosses and chances
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If I was a visiting alien who had to make a judgement call based solely on watching the Shrewsbury game (and perhaps had watched the final game of last season - Brighton - whilst travelling here in my saucer), I'd suggest that - of all our available strikers - we look best suited to playing Davis up front (and least effective with Hogan). I can't see Bruce being brave enough to do so however.
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Apart from Veretout who is probably leaving, the enitire midfield contingent has the speed and turning ability of a Caterpillar dump truck. I never thought I would pine for players like Barry Bannan, but he's Lionel Messi compared to the slow motion antics of Lansbury, Hourihane, Gardner and Bjarnason. Is it any wonder that strikers like McCormack and Hogan struggle, when you have such a lack of pace, creativity and more worringly, an inability to find a player with the same coloured shirt, in the middle of the pitch.
Hourihane was very much a box to box player at BarnsleyI don't understand how Bruce can make a midfield two look so woeful and ineffective, whereas a lot of other Championship teams make it work. Brighton got promoted playing a two with two wingers, one of those midfielders was Sidwell, Chris Hughton must be a miracle worker.
Wouldn't it better to question why none of the two midfielders we've picked to do it can make it work? they're the ones with the ball at their feet after all
If you put Xavi and Iniesta in a midfield two in, say, that Wimbleton team of the 80s and 90s where the job of the centre mids was basically to kick the shit out of anyone who dared to pass through, and punt any ball that fell to them into the corners for someone to chase, do you really think they would've distinguished themselves in any way?
It's basically impossible for any midfielder to show what they're capable of if the setup isn't right. It doesn't have to be perfectly accommodating for them, but we're not close to finding something that's helpful.
On a lesser scale it's a little similar to when we we had Petrov-Barry as the midfield combination (sorry to be all nostalgic to the days when we could actually win a match or two).
Both excellent and clever footballers and they could certainly keep the ball effectively and also move it out quickly to Young so he could get one v one with the full back.
However it was one paced and we struggled many times when teams would come to VP and play three centrally against them.
Always looked better when we put another body in there like NRC or Sidwell even if they were average. Even better when Milner was moved there and it felt like two players alongside Petrov given the vast distance he covered every match.
I still think we need Jedinak or another player of his ilk in there but at the same time we must give more licence for Hourihane and especially Lansbury to push forward and actually join Kodjia in the box for crosses and chances
I agree w every word if we're just focusing on the midfield. But the implication is either that we play with one striker, or three at the back. And there are big questions about both options - essentially (for different reasons) are they attacking enough to score the goals we'll need to get promotion?
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If I was a visiting alien and happened across a Villa game as one of my first experience on earth, I'd leg it back into the saucer get those delorean doors flipped up at double speed and back to space I'd go.
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Hourihane was pretty incredible for Barnsely and made it work in a 4 4 2. I think Bruce has them both sitting very deep rather than 1 getting forward and supporting the attack. Which then leaves the forwards isolated and less to target for the wingers. Lansbury is ok but he's little more than a more confident Gardner.
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Apart from Veretout who is probably leaving, the enitire midfield contingent has the speed and turning ability of a Caterpillar dump truck. I never thought I would pine for players like Barry Bannan, but he's Lionel Messi compared to the slow motion antics of Lansbury, Hourihane, Gardner and Bjarnason. Is it any wonder that strikers like McCormack and Hogan struggle, when you have such a lack of pace, creativity and more worringly, an inability to find a player with the same coloured shirt, in the middle of the pitch.
Hourihane was very much a box to box player at BarnsleyI don't understand how Bruce can make a midfield two look so woeful and ineffective, whereas a lot of other Championship teams make it work. Brighton got promoted playing a two with two wingers, one of those midfielders was Sidwell, Chris Hughton must be a miracle worker.
Wouldn't it better to question why none of the two midfielders we've picked to do it can make it work? they're the ones with the ball at their feet after all
If you put Xavi and Iniesta in a midfield two in, say, that Wimbleton team of the 80s and 90s where the job of the centre mids was basically to kick the shit out of anyone who dared to pass through, and punt any ball that fell to them into the corners for someone to chase, do you really think they would've distinguished themselves in any way?
It's basically impossible for any midfielder to show what they're capable of if the setup isn't right. It doesn't have to be perfectly accommodating for them, but we're not close to finding something that's helpful.
On a lesser scale it's a little similar to when we we had Petrov-Barry as the midfield combination (sorry to be all nostalgic to the days when we could actually win a match or two).
Both excellent and clever footballers and they could certainly keep the ball effectively and also move it out quickly to Young so he could get one v one with the full back.
However it was one paced and we struggled many times when teams would come to VP and play three centrally against them.
Always looked better when we put another body in there like NRC or Sidwell even if they were average. Even better when Milner was moved there and it felt like two players alongside Petrov given the vast distance he covered every match.
I still think we need Jedinak or another player of his ilk in there but at the same time we must give more licence for Hourihane and especially Lansbury to push forward and actually join Kodjia in the box for crosses and chances
I agree w every word if we're just focusing on the midfield. But the implication is either that we play with one striker, or three at the back. And there are big questions about both options - essentially (for different reasons) are they attacking enough to score the goals we'll need to get promotion?
First problem with one upfront is if your striker dosen't score enough. That wasn't an issue last season with Kodjia hitting close to 20.
Bigger problem was hardly anyone scoring from midfield (give Hourihane and particularly Lansbury more licence) and the wide players not chipping in.
I certainly agree with people saying we need another wide player. Adomah, Grealish and Green dosen't strike to me consistant 9 month promotion winning performances.
Only real logic to us supposedly wanting El-Mohamady in that he would give width but then I don't see him as anywhere near good enough to improve us into a top 2 side, that would be a Matt Richie type who score score 10 and also provide that in assists.
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Spot on Ozzjim if one pushes to support the two strikers and two wide men surely if we get hit on the break 4 defenders and the other midfielder is sufficient ? That's why the full backs for me are crucial as they can't get caught out of position too much. Bree for me instead of Hutton would help.
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Spot on Ozzjim if one pushes to support the two strikers and two wide men surely if we get hit on the break 4 defenders and the other midfielder is sufficient ? That's why the full backs for me are crucial as they can't get caught out of position too much. Bree for me instead of Hutton would help.
That's basically saying try someone other than Hutton because we've seen precious little of Bree so far.
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Spot on Ozzjim if one pushes to support the two strikers and two wide men surely if we get hit on the break 4 defenders and the other midfielder is sufficient ? That's why the full backs for me are crucial as they can't get caught out of position too much. Bree for me instead of Hutton would help.
That's basically saying try someone other than Hutton because we've seen precious little of Bree so far.
I think that is going on the basis that no one can be worse than Hutton at marauding out of position and leaving a huge hole for the opposition to punish. Oh yes... Richards. I will take the Bree option too please. Or De Leat.
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Spot on Ozzjim if one pushes to support the two strikers and two wide men surely if we get hit on the break 4 defenders and the other midfielder is sufficient ? That's why the full backs for me are crucial as they can't get caught out of position too much. Bree for me instead of Hutton would help.
Can't think of many teams playing like this at the moment?
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Thing is bree hasn't shown anything in the admittedly short exposure that he's had that he's any better than hutton. Hutton does try and get forward but just can't do it well enough.
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Thing is bree hasn't shown anything in the admittedly short exposure that he's had that he's any better than hutton. Hutton does try and get forward but just can't do it well enough.
I'd disagree think he's shown a lot of composure that Hutton lacks. He's focused on defending with occasional forays to support forwards. He certainly isn't all action like Hutton and we look a much better balanced team for it.
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Thing is bree hasn't shown anything in the admittedly short exposure that he's had that he's any better than hutton. Hutton does try and get forward but just can't do it well enough.
As we seem to want to build many of our attacks down the right, we are wasting most of our opportunities because of Hutton's poor final ball or his runs down blind alleys.
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I don't know if it's that we want to, or that opponents would rather give Hutton space than Taylor or
Similarly, I remember when we played 352 v Ipswich and Nathan baker saw a lot of the ball. I'm sure that was deliberate on their part
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Trying to put my finger on why we look so toothless. I think we are set up to mainly try and create chances via the wide areas, to the detriment of the centre.
Unfortunately, the player in the wide area responsible for creating something is usually the fullback, and teams therefore double up against us here so moves usually either go:
Defence -> midfield -> wide -> lose ball / move break down
Defence -> midfield -> wide -> midfield -> defence -> hoof / lose ball / move break down
I wish we carried more threat in the middle. How many chances do we create via through balls or one-twos? If teams feared our middle more, we'd also get more space out wide.
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Are we just going through the motions again.
Going through the motions in someone else's car
and I think we missed our turning back there
Is African Car Reverser driving?
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Thing is bree hasn't shown anything in the admittedly short exposure that he's had that he's any better than hutton. Hutton does try and get forward but just can't do it well enough.
I don't think Bree needs to have shown he can do better than Hutton. The question is can he be possibly worse than Hutton ?
I doubt it.
Bree put in a lovely cross the other night for Flabby to score. That itself is more than i've seen Hutton do with the ball in the final third forever.
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Thing is bree hasn't shown anything in the admittedly short exposure that he's had that he's any better than hutton. Hutton does try and get forward but just can't do it well enough.
I don't think Bree needs to have shown he can do better than Hutton. The question is can he be possibly worse than Hutton ?
I doubt it.
Bree put in a lovely cross the other night for Flabby to score. That itself is more than i've seen Hutton do with the ball in the final third forever.
Agree with this, Huttons runs are all well and good and get an A for effort but are never productive, Bree had already shown albeit a friendly cross that cries goal.
Also doesn't leave us exposed on that side too.
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This is why I get so frustrated when people call Hutton one of our best players, as if running forward a lot and throwing in the odd leg breaker are all it needs to be a fans favourite. He can't cross, can't shoot, loses the ball far more often than he should and regularly bursts forward without reading the game and gets himself caught in no mans land.
I have no issues with his fitness or his attitude, which both seem absolutely on point, it's just that pretty much everything else about his game is below average. Bree will be a far better player than him in a year and we might as well commit to giving the youngster experience and ride out a few mistakes because Hutton doesn't give us an y great assurance either.
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Agree with both posts above
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Does anyone know if we've sold out for Walsall tonight? Or can you pay on the night?
The ticket website has been no help whatsoever!
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I hope the club start promoting the SGT game heavily. Seems we're only planning on opening the lower tier of the Holte, North and Witton, and loads of tickets still available.
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I hope the club start promoting the SGT game heavily. Seems we're only planning on opening the lower tier of the Holte, North and Witton, and loads of tickets still available.
I didn't realise that. No wonder the online site wouldn't let me purchase my own seat, I thought it was a fault of some sort. Oh well, it will make a change sitting somewhere different I suppose.
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I still remember the damp squib that was McGrath's testimonial. Always disappointing if we can't get our act together to celebrate our heroes
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I still remember the damp squib that was McGrath's testimonial. Always disappointing if we can't get our act together to celebrate our heroes
He'd only been here five years and he was hardly skint.
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I still remember the damp squib that was McGrath's testimonial. Always disappointing if we can't get our act together to celebrate our heroes
He'd only been here five years and he was hardly skint.
Not sure how the five years thing is particularly relevant given SGT's total time as manager at Villa was less than that.
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Does anyone know if we've sold out for Walsall tonight? Or can you pay on the night?
The ticket website has been no help whatsoever!
I have seen somewhere this afternoon that we have sold out our allocation.
It may have been on the clubs Facebook page
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AVFC Support reporting on Twitter that our allocation for Walsall is now sold out.
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I still remember the damp squib that was McGrath's testimonial. Always disappointing if we can't get our act together to celebrate our heroes
He'd only been here five years and he was hardly skint.
Not sure how the five years thing is particularly relevant given SGT's total time as manager at Villa was less than that.
Sir Graham's game isn't a testimonial. Giving one to a player after five years is unheard of. That's how it's relevant.
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I still remember the damp squib that was McGrath's testimonial. Always disappointing if we can't get our act together to celebrate our heroes
He'd only been here five years and he was hardly skint.
Not sure how the five years thing is particularly relevant given SGT's total time as manager at Villa was less than that.
Sir Graham's game isn't a testimonial. Giving one to a player after five years is unheard of. That's how it's relevant.
McGrath was no ordinary player so I don't think there's much of a precedent out there.
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I still remember the damp squib that was McGrath's testimonial. Always disappointing if we can't get our act together to celebrate our heroes
He'd only been here five years and he was hardly skint.
Not sure how the five years thing is particularly relevant given SGT's total time as manager at Villa was less than that.
Sir Graham's game isn't a testimonial. Giving one to a player after five years is unheard of. That's how it's relevant.
McGrath was no ordinary player so I don't think there's much of a precedent out there.
I was at that game i think, why was McGrath awarded a testimonial after 5 years?
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Walsall game is live here for anyone interested
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Tonight’s team v Walsall: Johnstone, Bree, Samba, Terry ©, Taylor, Lansbury, Hourihane, Bjarnason, Amavi, Green, Agbonlahor.
Subs: Bunn, Chester, Hutton, Richards, Lyden, Veretout, Hogan, McCormack, Tshibola, Davis, Clark, Hayes.
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Andre Green is class he must start the first game.
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Terry is audible above anyone on the pitch.
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Terry playing the Hollywood ball!
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Have we signed Samba?
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It sounds deathly quiet!
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Tidy play
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That was nearly a bit smelly from bree.
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I like Bjarnasson, he makes intelligent runs and tries to find space.
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Giving the ball away a lot. Very scrappy so far.
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Think we're playing alright.
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I like Bjarnasson, he makes intelligent runs and tries to find space.
He gets into good spots also. He should have scored already tonight.
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What I like about Bjork is he gets into the box. We'll soon knock that out of him, we can't be doing with midfielders breaking forward and making runs into the box.
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Never take pre-season too seriously. Never play with a consistent line up so it's never going to produce consistent outcomes. What you want to see is something coming together in terms of structure, discipline and movement the closer we get to the start of the season.
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They should have scored there. Easy chance
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We are very nearly the finished article. All we need is elmohamady
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I agree - it's a step up on the last match so far
Hourihane and Lansbury passing it a bit more smartly (though I don't think Lansbury can play this deep role against a good team he's not good enough defensively)
Thor has good movemet but often a sloppy first touch. Gabby the same without good movement. Still think this xi looks blunt. I'd have grealish for Thor, adomah for amavi and obviously Kodjia for gabby
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That free kick made me pine for Westwood!
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Having Gabby lead the line just won't lead to many goals.
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Considering defence is meant to be our strong point, a shit division 3 side are creating a fair few chances.
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Is this being filmed on an iphone3?
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Thor again. Great position. Finishing that would make The Great Tonev proud.
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Having Gabby lead the line just won't lead to many goals.
Nope
Nor much ball retention or penetration
We need to give up on him
Cut open there. Bree slack and Lansbury / hourihane not strong enough
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Considering defence is meant to be our strong point, a shit division 3 side are creating a fair few chances.
We do seem to allow a lot of play through the middle of midfield. An age old Villa issue.
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Bjork again with a chance. He's like David Platt. Without the goals.
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And Bjork again with a chance.
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Thor again. Great position. Finishing that would make The Great Tonev proud.
He's no Andy Gray is he?
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Fuck me we're all over the place at the back. Are we playing Bayern?
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He's coming back from a nasty injury give him a chance.
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Get hogan on - I reckon we'll make him some chances today
Would also prefer McCormack to Thor in the hole. He can run but he doesn't seem able to do much useful with the actual ball!
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I agree - it's a step up on the last match so far
Hourihane and Lansbury passing it a bit more smartly (though I don't think Lansbury can play this deep role against a good team he's not good enough defensively)
Thor has good movemet but often a sloppy first touch. Gabby the same without good movement. Still think this xi looks blunt. I'd have grealish for Thor, adomah for amavi and obviously Kodjia for gabby
No watching it but from the line up guessing we are playing 3 in midfield. How is it set up in there?
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There was just a passage of play when we seemed determined to give it away just outside our own box.
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I'm pretty sure that for the past 7 or so years every single team we've played has looked more comfortable controlling and passing the ball than us.
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Get hogan on - I reckon we'll make him some chances today
Would also prefer McCormack to Thor in the hole. He can run but he doesn't seem able to do much useful with the actual ball!
Being able to run gives him a big advantage over McCormack though.
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Indeed and Walsall lost to Solihull Moors on Saturday. They were bound to play better against inferior opposition.
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Terry goal but disallowed.
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Get hogan on - I reckon we'll make him some chances today
Would also prefer McCormack to Thor in the hole. He can run but he doesn't seem able to do much useful with the actual ball!
Being able to run gives him a big advantage over McCormack though.
I shouldn't laugh. Maybe someone should suggest this "running" thing to Ross and see what his reaction is.
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This formation is missing a defensive midfielder - it's allowing Walsall to break quickly when the 3 central players have pushed forward.
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Samba looks half decent there I've said it.
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Gabby offers little and clearly Chester should start showed of samba. Green looks a real threat but they've clearly identified that and have doubled up on him
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Green is playing well again, Bree is not having his best day defensively.
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Green has done f all
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Green looks Grealish-esque in that he seems to get trapped with the ball. He's doesn't have a special move to get him out of tight spaces.
The encouraging thing is there have been chances. The disappointment is that none of them have been really served up to the main forward. That's of course partly down to Gabby but we are still lacking creativity to get into the box and just get shots away.
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Gabby offers little and clearly Chester should start showed of samba. Green looks a real threat but they've clearly identified that and have doubled up on him
Disagree, thought Gabby did ok that half. Certainly more involved than Hogan ever is
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This formation is missing a defensive midfielder - it's allowing Walsall to break quickly when the 3 central players have pushed forward.
Yeah, there's a big gaping hole where a holding midfielder should be to protect the back four. Overall, ok though. Terry and Bjarnnasson our best two I think.
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We're playing 433 or 4231 - Lansbury the deepest (decent on ball but weak defensively). Thor getting fwd most
Terry and samba comfy; full backs a bit exposed
Definitely sharper to the ball and better passing than the last game (but no more than reasonable and still sloppy)
Quite a few decent chances - mostly for Thor but also for gabby, samba and terry
Green the attacking pick.
Thor and gabby just give the ball away time and time and time again. I'll be worried if either feature much.
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Thank the Lord we have super-sub Micah to bring on and save the day...
...for Walsall :o
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Samba does look ok but won't dislodge Chester, which is fine. Bjarnasson continues to shine. Like a black hole. Green creates nothing, sorry but he's like Adomah but less involved in the game. Was Lansbury on the pitch? Gabby is now laughably bad. Terry is class. The others neither here nor there.
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0-0. HT. What I expected.
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I'd completely forgotten Villa were playing.
Have we been any good?
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Green has done f all
I agree - same as the previous couple of games but I think that the idea is to get him to feel like he belongs. he's not going to be tearing defences apart just yet.
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Green has been playing on the opposite side to where he normally does in fairness.
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I think green has been good - just need to sharpen up his final ball
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Gabby offers little and clearly Chester should start showed of samba. Green looks a real threat but they've clearly identified that and have doubled up on him
Disagree, thought Gabby did ok that half. Certainly more involved than Hogan ever is
he's been better than hogan but with jk we just don't look like scoring outside of set pieces
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We still don't have enough creativity for me. We're happy run it into the corners and try and cross it. Which has been easy to deal with so far for Walsall.
I also thought they looked far more comfortable on the ball. Which is a worry.
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AVFC. Confused?, I am.
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We look a lot better defensively than at this stage last season
Terry for elphick
Johnstone for Gollini
Samba for Richards
Much more confident
Taylor is no wing back though. He's a full back
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Think people need to give Thor a chance, his movement is great. His touch will come with games.
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Nearly 20K watching on youtube which is quite impressive.
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Love him or loathe him, Id love to hear Terrys' assessment of the players around him. After all, he will know who is or isn't?
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The basics of passing, set pieces and movement seem to elude this squad. Outgunned by Shrewsbury; out passed by Walsall. So far.
It's a bit pathetic, really.
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Our midfield lacks a bit of finesse. Lansbury had the chance to bring the ball down there but just succeed in hoofing cross-field.
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Their number ten, that's the sort of player I'd like us to get. Always involved, trying to make things happen.
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The midfield positioning looks poor all the time. No link up play, no supporting runs.
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Terry might just drag us though next season
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Wow, Barcawalsall are making us look very poor.
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Their number ten, that's the sort of player I'd like us to get. Always involved, trying to make things happen.
I agree. I like the look of him as well.
However, in our team he'd be made to play a holding midfielder.
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I know it's a friendly, but sheesh. Villa looking so dull.
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We're hanging on for a point a bit here.
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Is it just me or does it look like playing in the dark .....
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Terry might just drag us though next season
I can see him doing a runner.
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Taylor has been shit
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Their number ten, that's the sort of player I'd like us to get. Always involved, trying to make things happen.
I agree. I like the look of him as well.
However, in our team he'd be made to play a holding midfielder.
Yeah, good point, well made.
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Just worked out why we are so crap .....Bucana is away on international duty !
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Hogan on for Gabby, Chester for Terry and Hayes for Hotlips.
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This is where Hogan proves us all wrong and gets a hat trick 😁
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Their number ten, that's the sort of player I'd like us to get. Always involved, trying to make things happen.
I agree. I like the look of him as well.
However, in our team he'd be made to play a holding midfielder.
Me too, he just swatted Lansbury away very easily.
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Who's this Hayes bloke?
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Only just got in and watched the last 10 minutes but we looked dreadful and Walsall outplaying us (they lost to Solihull at the weekend).
Can see why people are being negative, why are we starting Samba and Gabby?!
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Our balls into the box have been pretty shite.
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God help me, I think Terry & Samba look good.
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God help me, I think Terry & Samba look good.
They do, i'd be terrified if the opposition had any pace against those 2 though.
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I think Samba and Terry have looked a good partnership.
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Watching in Sweden while on holiday. Just like the game on Saturday Villa look truly awful. It's just so difficult to see what we are trying to do. The passing is terrible, movement none existent, no width, I could go on. Hopefully it will be different come the first real game, but I must admit to being very worried with what I'm seeing.
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Only just got in and watched the last 10 minutes but we looked dreadful and Walsall outplaying us (they lost to Solihull at the weekend).
Can see why people are being negative, why are we starting Samba and Gabby?!
Team played quite well in the first half and created a few chances. Walsall the better team early in second half.
Loads of subs on now, so it'll probably be a bit of a mess for both sides
I'm still not as impressed by Green as some on here are.
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God we are terrible
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God help me, I think Terry & Samba look good.
They do, i'd be terrified if the opposition had any pace against those 2 though.
Agreed. But still their awareness, intelligence & positioning is impressive.
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Our crossing has been Huttonesque all night
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That we've struggled to open up a shit division 3 side, again, is a bit of a concern.
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Who's the commentator? ....."it's getting darker and darker by the minute"
That's Woodward-esque ::)
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Motm Hayes and he's been on 5 mins. He needs re-educating.
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Green, Bree and Taylor haven't really created much. I know Lansbury and Hourihane were on the pitch at one point. Amavi has been a willing trier but we just have no cohesion in the opposition half.
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We really are a slow and boring side watch.
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Hoofing it long into the corners for Hogan. Lord help me.
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Not great is it?
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Is the camera man drunk
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One man in the box for that cross, same old problems.
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Mccormack could play number ten for us really effectively.
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Can anybody (admittedly based on meaningless friendlies) advance an argument for us to finish top ten next season never mind top two?
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Bree likes a bit of James Collins like lumping it
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At least Ross is on to inject some much needed pace into the side.
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Can anybody (admittedly based on meaningless friendlies) advance an argument for us to finish top ten next season never mind top two?
I know I can't. I really can't see any difference in the slow ponderous, unimaginative dross that we've had for the last few seasons.
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I keep hoping for the best but this doesn't bode well does it?
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Total absence of goal threat.
All pretty depressing.
Samba looked okay - with Chester behind him and Terry, a back three might just work.
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It's been that poor second half I've been counting the lorries going passed on the M6 whenever the camera is pointing at the away end.
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Can anybody (admittedly based on meaningless friendlies) advance an argument for us to finish top ten next season never mind top two?
denial and blind optimism?
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We really look like we don't have a clue how to create a decent chance never mind actually score a goal.
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This is absolute dross, I'm off to watch a wall of paint dry.
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Why would we be playing so negatively against Walsall? I mean we have a good central defence now. Well done Bruce. Now how about the rest of the pitch?
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What's the point of bringing on a sub with two minutes to go in a pre-season game ?
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Has Fat Ross touched the ball yet?
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Good substitutes,kill some time and try and hold on for the 0-0
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Noticed Johnstone is wearing 1, is that his squad number?
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I remember seeing a preseason friendly at the Banks, we won about 4-1 I think. Whittingham scored from miles out.
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Another change? Bruce does know the game is about to end, doesn't he?
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90th minute change?
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So 2 games against mediocre 3rd division sides and we managed a grand total of 1 goal through a dodgy penalty. What a time to be alive.
We really do seem clueless apart from set pieces.
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Booooooo!!!!
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Drivel
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What a load of old shat !
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Noticed Johnstone is wearing 1, is that his squad number?
https://www.avfc.co.uk/News/2017/07/14/johnstone-squad-number-confirmed
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Well that was wank. I honestly can't see what we're trying to do, which is my big worry. Fucking Walsall pass the ball better than we do.
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I feel sorry for Hogan. He gets absolutely no service.
It will never work if this continues.
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We are clueless without Kodjia's unpredictability and actual quality in the final third.
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So 2 games against mediocre 3rd division sides and we managed a grand total of 1 goal through a dodgy penalty. What a time to be alive.
We really do seem clueless apart from set pieces.
We are a mediocre division 2 side. No shocks here.
I think we could break number of draws next season.
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We'll be fine when elmohamady arrives in the nick of time by the look of it.
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We need someone to create something from midfield. I don't know if it's the system we play or what, but at no point did we have any good linkup between strikers and midfield today. It was all down to wide players trying to cut across and ending up running the ball into dead ends or into Walsall players. Frustrating to watch.
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Don't worry, it's all about fitness, nothing else.
It's not about preparation for the new season, creating a style of play, trying new things and getting players to gel.
It about putting the miles in.
They may as well have run up and down the fucking Malvern Hills for all the benefit playing football does them.
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Same old problem, pedestrian going forward and not enough numbers up the pitch. As for individual performances, Agbonlahor an embarrassment, Bjarnasson and Green a disaster, Lansbury a park player, Hourahane all huff and puff with little quality, Amavi a wet fart, Taylor error strewn, Johnstone nothing to do. Thank god for Terry, Chester and Samba, we should be well covered at centre back. Baker to complete a really good quartet for this level.
Oh and Tshibola just come on to save the day, oh fucking joy.
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Genius by Bruce to bring on Tish at the death to waste a few seconds and clinch the point.
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We're still playing hoof ball from the back. No obvious game plan and without Kodja we have no cutting edge. In fact I've seen pineapples with more cutting edge. I'm unimpressed, and worried in equal measure.
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Ha ha quality :)
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Genius by Bruce to bring on Tish at the death to waste a few seconds and clinch the point.
Good substitutes,kill some time and try and hold on for the 0-0
To be fair when you are playing against a top top level free flowing attacking side like Walsall you are lucky to come away with a point. Job done! I reckon we may stay up this season if we can put monumental performances like that in.
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It wasn't overly impressive, especially second half and we were poor up front. Samba would be a very good addition to the squad but the more I see of him, the more I think Lansbury is a weak link. I know he was playing deep tonight but I can't help thinking we'd be better off without him in the starting line up. A good work out though but room for improvement.
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Excited for the new season. Hope it starts in 6 months.
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That was really boring. We never seem to have any creativity in the middle, we just shove it out wide to Green or Amavi and say beat 3 players on your own. We could do with a creative player playing behind the strikers.
Samba played well again.
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Highlight of the game was not seeing Richards on the pitch.
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I was reasonably encouraged first half - we did create a few chances but lacked quality to take them
But we got worse as it went on. Green worsened. Taylor's delivery was terrible. We really looked like we had no idea how to break them down. Gabby was never a threat and is never a threat. Kodjia and adomah and grealish would add to that. But there must be kids we could loan from Chelsea or arsenal etc who've got more quality in the final third - e.g. In any of the three pairions behind the main striker
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Genius by Bruce to bring on Tish at the death to waste a few seconds and clinch the point.
LOL 😂
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We need someone to create something from midfield. I don't know if it's the system we play or what, but at no point did we have any good linkup between strikers and midfield today. It was all down to wide players trying to cut across and ending up running the ball into dead ends or into Walsall players. Frustrating to watch.
Agreed. Today it was partly that the central two were gabby and Thor who just lack quality
I'm hopeful that grealish and Kodjia would be more of a threat.
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That was really boring. We never seem to have any creativity in the middle, we just shove it out wide to Green or Amavi and say beat 3 players on your own. We could do with a creative player playing behind the strikers.
Samba played well again.
Creativity from midfield is what we've been desperately lacking for years. I thought Grealish might be the answer but he hasn't really stepped up to the plate.
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That reminded me of a game I used to like, football, where two teams passed a ball to their teammates and tried to kick it between some goalposts. It was a little bit like that, only much slower and the players just kicked the ball anywhere and didn't bother with the goalposts. Not very entertaining. I can't see it catching on.
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Very worrying that we are less than 3 weeks from the first game and we are not creating chances against average league 1 sides. Apart from Terry and samba not one player looked amy good. Be lucky to finish mid table at this rate.
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Just imagine what he could do with a pre-season behind him.......
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dull. wtf does he start with Gabby . We know what he can do , he scores feck all and creates nothing.
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80th minute epitomizes this shit Bruce side.
Tippy tappy boring crap ending in an aimless punt into the box. Hogan completely on his own nowhere near the ball surrounded by 5 defenders.
I really cannot see how he has managed 4 promotion sides. He is as clueless as Sherwood, defensively minded as TSM and as nonsensical as Lambert.
We could be fucked here guys
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Same old same old. we need creativity and grealish is only player we have to do that. No good bringing him for odd game here and there he needs a run of games to get up to speed. His best performances were under Sherwood who played him regularly. Bit like Lee Hendrie given few opportunities under little then John Gregory came in and he was first on team sheet. He was then our best player for a lot of games and created and scored quite a few. unfortunately Grealish is not a Brucie type of player
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It feels a lot like last season never actually ended. That's the most depressing thing. There's no zip or energy.
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It's looking like another season being heavily reliant on Kodjia scoring, which isn't good.
Not a clue what system we play but whatever that shite is we won't be scoring many goals.
Our balance and positional awareness going forward is the worst.
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80th minute epitomizes this shit Bruce side.
Tippy tappy boring crap ending in an aimless punt into the box. Hogan completely on his own nowhere near the ball surrounded by 5 defenders.
I really cannot see how he has managed 4 promotion sides. He is as clueless as Sherwood, defensively minded as TSM and as nonsensical as Lambert.
We could be fucked here guys
I agree, totally.
If we have to witness the tippy, tappy bollox across the back 4 like we did tonight, it's going to be a long, long fruitless season.
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Noticed Johnstone is wearing 1, is that his squad number?
(http://thumb.ibb.co/fTUhpk/7616838.jpg) (http://ibb.co/fTUhpk)
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That was really boring. We never seem to have any creativity in the middle, we just shove it out wide to Green or Amavi and say beat 3 players on your own. We could do with a creative player playing behind the strikers.
Samba played well again.
I agree with the bit about Green adn Amavi and would say it's also worrying how none of our players go to support them either. 3-4 times Amavi had it on the left agianst 2-3 Walsall players and there wasn't a Villa player within 20 yards of him. it means he either loses the ball or sneaks half a yard of space and has to try to pick out the one player we have in the box. Bree got a bit closer to Green but there was still a huge gap inside them.
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Usual Bruce 'inspired' dross. Should have tinned him last season.
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Usual Bruce 'inspired' dross. Should have tinned him last season.
Did you mean binned or canned?
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Binned as far as I am concerned.
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It looked like we were 'attempting' to use Lansbury in some deep Pirlo creative mode to spray balls around, naturally it didn't work. The only time we looked like scoring was from a couple of Hourihane corners in the first half, we created fuck all in open play but thats nothing new. Bjarnasson still looks lost. No optimism for the new season at all.
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People need to seriously chill out, it was turgid enough but to suggest bringing on a DM player to check fitness and match practice instead of trying to win a truly awful warm up game is scraping the barrel.
Relax. In Brucey we trust.
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Binned as far as I am concerned.
Joking aside I was all for giving Bruce a good crack at it this season but I'm starting to think it's beyond him. Team shape, team tactics, style of play, team selections. All things we were very poor at last season and I know it's only friendlies but I'm not seeing any improvement in any of these areas. If he's disguising some great masterplan to spring on our rivals once the season starts he'll go down as a genius.
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Where is RHM and Grealish? Only watched 25 minutes of that dross - watching paint dry is more entertaining! This stupid tactic of isolating the one attacking forward who is surrounded by 5 defenders!
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Usual Bruce 'inspired' dross. Should have tinned him last season.
Did you mean binned or canned?
Tinned. From 'tin tack' meaning sack.
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Binned as far as I am concerned.
Joking aside I was all for giving Bruce a good crack at it this season but I'm starting to think it's beyond him. Team shape, team tactics, style of play, team selections. All things we were very poor at last season and I know it's only friendlies but I'm not seeing any improvement in any of these areas. If he's disguising some great masterplan to spring on our rivals once the season starts he'll go down as a genius.
I thought the shape was good first half - the problem was gabby and Thor. But second half we looked clueless
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Fucking Blues. What this side needs is another slow right back, that will really do the trick.
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Where is RHM and Grealish? Only watched 25 minutes of that dross - watching paint dry is more entertaining! This stupid tactic of isolating the one attacking forward who is surrounded by 5 defenders!
Yeah is Hepburn-Murphy injured or going to be loaned out shortly.
All this hype with him signing the new deal yet he's barely played for us. He made his debut in March 2015 so he really should be loaned out if he's not going to figure.
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Usual Bruce 'inspired' dross. Should have tinned him last season.
Did you mean binned or canned?
I assume he's taken it for tin-tacked.
On topic I agree with Risso, I just can't see it working. I get he's got promotions with other teams but it's been with backs to the wall underdog football where he's let teams get drawn forward and then caught them on the break or snuck one from a set piece. That won't work with Villa because teams don't let us play the underdog, we're a massive scalp who flashed the cash last season and hoovered up some of the best players in the league. I remember seeing a few times on here comments about us being everyone's cup final and whilst I don't agree entirely I do think we need to approach games knowing that teams want to give us a black eye. For me Bruce just isn't the sort of manager you want managing a team like that.
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Attendance: 7,022 (3,310 Aston Villa supporters).
They don't fcukin deserve it.
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Is it possible to win the title as underdogs throughout? I guess Leicester sort of did. But im not sure this is true of hull - wouldn't the have been one of the favourites?
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Well we werent completely useless, more lacking in any kind of insperation going forward.
The positives, Terry and Samba were very solid with Terry looking after the ball very well, I thought Gabby did ok up there on his own with none of the midfielders seemingly in the same postcode as him. The full backs were ok in posession although both were caught out once each for a chance to Walsall. Johnstone was very commanding on crosses and looked very confident, thats a great move to get him back for the season.
The negatives. Well, everything in front of the defence really, Landsbury tried hard to make something happen but was far too deep and his fitness is a big worry, he looks trimmer but he still starts to make poor decisions, passes and tackles after half time. The other two midfielders were garbage, lightweight and ineffectual, Houlihan in particular needs to get some sweat on the shirt before swanning about thinking hes the bees knees, not at all impressed with him. The other kid is a trier. But shit, really shit.
The two wide lads tried but had games to forget, no one to hit crosses to and their touch looked ropey under any kind of pressure. Lyden looked to have good energy and aggression when he came on.
MOM, Terry or their no10 who looked exactly the kind of player we need, if he was a foot taller.
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PS who was no40 for us, came on as one of the first subs?
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PS who was no40 for us, came on as one of the first subs?
Hayes.
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Ta, never heard of him before. He probably is coming through at a bad time where he looks pretty similar to all the other midfielders we have, hope he does it.
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Lyden looked to have good energy and aggression when he came on.
Good report and great to hear, not that Bruce will notice. He'll probably buy 5 defensive midfielders as cover for Jedi this week.
Nice bloke that he is, he's no McLeish.
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Tishbola came on for the grand total of 4 seconds. I checked.
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Tishbola came on for the grand total of 4 seconds. I checked.
You're just trying to cheer me up, aren't you?
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Tishbola came on for the grand total of 4 seconds. I checked.
And won the Man of the Match award.
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McCormack came on and was immediately positioned wide left next to their fastest player. OK, Ill stop now......
It was a lovely balmy evening though.
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McCormack came on and was immediately positioned wide left next to their fastest player. OK, Ill stop now......
That's what I love about pre-season - the hope.
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Seriously, only a friendly/players building-up fitness etc. caveats aside, can they not be doing that and also just occasionally look threatening in an attacking sense?
Why is it we outplayed Brighton for large parts of both games last season, the best team in the division (Brighton and Fulham played much better football than Newcastle imo), yet most of the time we don't have a bull's notion how to look imposing in the final third? By the law of averages you think we'd manage it more than twice a bleedin' year.
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That was really boring. We never seem to have any creativity in the middle, we just shove it out wide to Green or Amavi and say beat 3 players on your own. We could do with a creative player playing behind the strikers.
Samba played well again.
I agree with the bit about Green adn Amavi and would say it's also worrying how none of our players go to support them either. 3-4 times Amavi had it on the left agianst 2-3 Walsall players and there wasn't a Villa player within 20 yards of him. it means he either loses the ball or sneaks half a yard of space and has to try to pick out the one player we have in the box. Bree got a bit closer to Green but there was still a huge gap inside them.
This is why I don't get on Hutton's back. He is always trying to provide an outlet but no one ever, ever supports him. It must be a coaching issue, surely!? Hutton doesn't have the trick that Amavi or Green do either. We need a midfield that looks to provide an option for our players.
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Ok just rewatched the first half (which I did not see live). I think I was too harsh. Plenty of attacking intent and chances in the first half.
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Ok just rewatched the first half (which I did not see live). I think I was too harsh. Plenty of attacking intent and chances in the first half.
Yep, I still think we were decent but let down by poor finishing and a weak Thor-Gabby partnership
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We are useless going forward without Kodjia would be my summary of how things stand and it really shouldn't be like that. Madness some people want to sell him, I'd rather take my chances with a 20 goal a season striker remaining at the club given how much money we've wasted on forwards down the years.
It's not just going to happen for McCormack here let's face it and Hogan looks to be going the same way although I still think there could be a role for him and he'll have a good scoring run at some point but I expect far more for 12m.
Way SB sets us up and the speculative balls we push forward we need an unpredictable and mobile striker upfront like JK to make things happen rather than players just waiting for crosses in the six yard box.
It's not good enough and could well cost him his job if Kodjia isn't fit by September.
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The commentators words in the 80th min. ("There's only Hogan in the middle...the ball has gone over his head.") sums up Bruce's attacking intent and demonstrates that the concept of attacking football is way over his head. We haven't moved on or learnt anything!! The set up last night was no different (only in personnel) than the 1st half vs Cardiff away last January. 5 across midfield with a lone striker and no Kodjia. It didn't work then as it didn't last night due to an ineffective front man and a disconnect between midfield and the striker. I know last night was only a friendly but with less than 3 weeks until the start of the season Bruce continues to show he's lacking in ideas regarding formation, tactics and team selection, especially without Kodjia in the team.
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Good post
I find it confusing we keep On buying strikers like McCormack and hogan with so little physical presence and who struggle to play right up top
I think hogan did play the 1 in a 451, but I'm curious how that worked. Brentford must have either played a lot of football on the break, or some very intricate midfield play that doesn't require you to 'hit' the striker
Or he's just not showing something that he did then
I think Bruce would quite like to play Kodjia left in the sort of formation we saw last night; but I just don't see who'd play up front - despite all of the money we've spent
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I give Bruce eight games.
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We are useless
Yes.
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I give Bruce eight games.
As many as that Brian? If the remaining friendlies continue in this fashion, he'll be lucky to start the season. Dr X needs to start looking for a modern thinking manager now.
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Ok just rewatched the first half (which I did not see live). I think I was too harsh. Plenty of attacking intent and chances in the first half.
Yep, I still think we were decent but let down by poor finishing and a weak Thor-Gabby partnership
Thor got in some great positioning to be fair but his finishing was like Del boys dressed in his Batman costume.
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Id like to see Calderwood given the boot , get someone decent in.
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Calderwood and Bruce clearly have pedigree at this level
I've got a number of concerns ahead of the season. But if Tony sacks re manager or coach on the back of pre season we know that he's not a fit and proper chairman
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There still seems to be a worrying trend of players dragging each other down to a half arsed level.
We started well last night and were creating chances but if nothing goes in we just start going through the motions and everyone just gradually accepts it. Kodjia is probably the only one going forward who doesn't let his head drop and keeps trying things. You'd think with so many "captains" it would be a different story.
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There were some positives;
Samba is undoubtedly an upgrade on both Richards and Elphick. Even against lower-league opposition that is clear.
Terry makes a notable difference, both defensively and when we're playing out form the back. Do we have another player (let alone centre-back) who can hit 40-yard cross-field balls with his weaker foot?
Bree & Green. Both had mixed performances, but if Bruce can show some faith in them now for a bit - and let them play through their tough patches - that could be Villa's right handside for the next 10+ years.
However;
Bjarnasson cannot begin the season in the starting XI. When Grealish is back in the fold, getting him up to speed - and form - has to be Bruce's priority. He offers so much more than BB. In that formation, McCormack, Bacuna, Hourihane and Green should all be ahead of him to start too. I'm not saying he won't be of any use this season, but he should definitely be considered as an option from the bench presently.
Lansbury and Hourihane. Both so inconsistent. Highlighted by their delivery from corners and free-kicks. When you've got Terry and Samba in the middle, there's absolutely no excuse for over/under-hitting deliveries as often as we did last night. I'm far from suggesting that we return to Westwood's floated deliveries, but at least he understood that just by ensuring the ball ended up in the box, it would give Benteke more than a fighting chance of beating his marker.
Tshibola - what on earth was Bruce doing bringing him on for less than 10 seconds at the end? He must have intended to piss him off or humiliate him surely?!
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There were some positives;
Samba is undoubtedly an upgrade on both Richards and Elphick. Even against lower-league opposition that is clear.
Terry makes a notable difference, both defensively and when we're playing out form the back. Do we have another player (let alone centre-back) who can hit 40-yard cross-field balls with his weaker foot?
Bree & Green. Both had mixed performances, but if price can show some faith in them now for a bit - and let them play through their tough patches - that could be Villa's right handside for the next 10+ years.
However;
Bjarnasson cannot begin the season in the starting XI. When Grealish is back in the fold, getting him up to speed - and form - has to be Bruce's priority. He offers so much more than BB. In that formation, McCormack, Bacuna, Hourihane and Green should all be ahead of him to start too. I'm not saying he won;t be of any use this season, but he should definitely be considered as an option form the bench presently.
Lansbury and Hourihane. Both so inconsistent. Highlighted by their delivery from corners and free-kicks. When you've got Terry and Samba in the middle, there's absolutely no excuse for over/under-hitting deliveries as often as we did last night. I'm far from
suggesting that we return to Westwood's floated deliveries, but at least he understood that just by ensuring the ball ended up in the box, it would give Benteke more than a fighting chance of beating his marker.
Tshibola - what on earth was Bruce doing bringing him on for less than 10 seconds at the end? He must have intended to piss him off or humiliate him surely?!
Good post
Lansbury is frustratingly sloppy on the ball and hourihane seems to go missing a fair bit
Green wasn't as good as I initially thought, on reflection. And grealish has to come in if we play this formation
Gabby did one good turn and FA else
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How old is Green? 18? 19? 20? It's too early to right him out every but as its too early to expect him to much more than he is now. I find him disappointing overall and not as good as we all hope he will be, but given time and experience and he can be useful.
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I give Bruce eight games.
I'm going for around 12, same as RDM was given.
If we start this season as sluggishly as we've looked so far, he'll be finished by October.
A bit of energy, zip, some fast passing of the ball. Movement. Anything!!
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Was gabby's "one good turn" role playing the part of being a professional footballer? His performance was awful and served to demonstrate how much his stock has fallen from England international with 3 caps to struggling against league 1 opposition. Bruce persevering with gabby will continue to hold the club back!
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But if Tony sacks re manager or coach on the back of pre season we know that he's not a fit and proper chairman
Champions League winners hired and fired Luigi Delneri in the summer of 2004. He never managed a single league game. Pinto da Costa has been their President since 1982. Fit and proper? Maybe not but he knows a thing or two about football.
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I only saw the 2nd half and I am glad to hear the 1st was a lot better because what I saw was terrible, even for a friendly. Why did Bruce have Green playing so deep. It meant he had a midfield player marking him and a fullback behind as cover. He should have been pushed further forward onto the fullback.
Same irritating aimless passing the ball around. It always looks as though the decisive ball will be the pass after or the one after that because it never looks as though it will come from the player with the ball.
-
The only positives I could muster from last night were
Green first 45 minutes. He went absolutely shite second half
Johnstone looked fairly commanding coming to catch stuff
The defence looked untroubled largely
The young lad (Hayes?) looked quite decent
Lyden did ok
Other than that it was absolutely dead. Our midfield is hopeless, totally devoid of creativity and energy. Mind you, we've hardly spent anything on that area of the team compared to our forwards (which might explain why the service to them is zilch)
Look at our central midfield options
Gardner £0
Jedinak £3.8m
Hourihane £3m
Lansbury £3m
Tsihbola £3m?
Bjarnason £2m
Bacuna £1m
Put into context, the dogheads down the road have spent more than that on one midfielder this summer. He might turn out to be shit of course
But it's still a dreadfully dull set of players without a sprinkling of proper class on top to make them shine
-
Has Bruce given any post-match interviews after the friendlies? He usually tells it like it is, his one saving grace, but even he will start to get bored of his own voice if these plodding performances continue into the new season.
-
We go again....
-
It took me 4 pages this morning to realize who we were playing.
Did Gabby and Thor start up top?
What was the score? I'm guessing 0-0?
-
On Twitter people were saying the team got booed off last night. Is that correct?
-
I'd like us to play as narrow a formation as we possibly can for the next matches (Germany tournament?). Leave all wide players at home. Try and force the players to learn how to create things through the middle.
-
I've some folks today saying 'sign Samba' based on last nights performance. For me he's just a towering but lumbering rock. The prospect of some of the Championships nippier strikers running rings around him does not fill me with confidence at all. Even as a back up. I'd much rather Sulliman got given a chance personally.
The only logical thing i could think for signing Samba would be if on 85 minutes we're hanging on the ropes defending a lead or similarly desperate for a goal and we launch it forwards with him in the box
-
I've some folks today saying 'sign Samba' based on last nights performance. For me he's just a towering but lumbering rock. The prospect of some of the Championships nippier strikers running rings around him does not fill me with confidence at all. Even as a back up. I'd much rather Sulliman got given a chance personally.
The only logical thing i could think for signing Samba would be if on 85 minutes we're hanging on the ropes defending a lead or similarly desperate for a goal and we launch it forwards with him in the box
If the plan was for him to start then I'd be nervous but as a replacement for Elphick in the 4th choice central defender spot I'm fine with it.
-
And the advantage is no transfer fee and as clubs are hardly beating his door down to sign him I assume we'll get him on decent wages. If we can flog Mad Tom and use his wages to pay Samba i'd be fine with that. As Paul says, as 3rd/4th choice he looks like he'll be fine. What would worry me is a Terry/Samba partnership for an extended period of time as they have zero pace.
-
And I don't think Sulliman is seen to be ready is he? 19 is VERY young for a centre half
-
And I don't think Sulliman is seen to be ready is he? 19 is VERY young for a centre half
I agree, I really like Suliman and I hope he gets a look in a few times this year but that's about as much as you'd expect for now. I have him shadowing Terry in training for a year, that's the biggest positive of Terry coming that I can see, if he can have a positive impact like that then we may benefit over the next few years.
-
On Twitter people were saying the team got booed off last night. Is that correct?
I wouldn't exactly say "booed off" but there was booing at the final whistle
-
On Twitter people were saying the team got booed off last night. Is that correct?
I wouldn't exactly say "booed off" but there was booing at the final whistle
That's just the sound of the local accent en masse.
-
I've only just got over Lansbury's set pieces. Especially the one corner that nearly hit the other one
-
On Twitter people were saying the team got booed off last night. Is that correct?
I wouldn't exactly say "booed off" but there was booing at the final whistle
That's just the sound of the local accent en masse.
Maybe there was a To Kill A Mockingbird Convention nearby.
-
I've only just got over Lansbury's set pieces. Especially the one corner that nearly hit the other one
Yeah Lansburys deliveries were over hit pretty much all evening. Hourihane put in a couple of good whipped corners in the first half.
-
I wish Ross McCormack was put back on them. I have no idea how but he consistently puts excellent corners in when he is given the chance.
-
The Mail is reporting that one of the German games is off but I cannot see anything anywhere else?
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-pre-season-game-13363820
-
Truly madness. It is on the Vitesse Arnhem site that it is cancelled. I have just come from the ticket office and they had no idea until the manager checked and said "oh yes it is"... irrespective of if another is being organised an announcement would be nice.
For those of us travelling with hotels booked return flights etc. lots have gone out this morning and the only idea we have is from the team we are playing. They really need to get there crap sorted or at least let us know there is an issue
-
Seems to be a trend in Germany- A (decent) Leeds fan traveled out with about 80 other Leeds fans to find out on the day that one of the tour matches had been cancelled. No message from Leeds Utd via social media just an assumption that if you could afford to travel out there the match been subsequently cancelled would be a minor inconvenience to be dealt with.
-
Truly madness. It is on the Vitesse Arnhem site that it is cancelled. I have just come from the ticket office and they had no idea until the manager checked and said "oh yes it is"... irrespective of if another is being organised an announcement would be nice.
For those of us travelling with hotels booked return flights etc. lots have gone out this morning and the only idea we have is from the team we are playing. They really need to get there crap sorted or at least let us know there is an issue
Luckily due to work I am only going sat to Monday but surely villa would or should have known about the issue of two non German teams not allowed to play each other
-
Truly madness. It is on the Vitesse Arnhem site that it is cancelled. I have just come from the ticket office and they had no idea until the manager checked and said "oh yes it is"... irrespective of if another is being organised an announcement would be nice.
For those of us travelling with hotels booked return flights etc. lots have gone out this morning and the only idea we have is from the team we are playing. They really need to get there crap sorted or at least let us know there is an issue
Luckily due to work I am only going sat to Monday but surely villa would or should have known about the issue of two non German teams not allowed to play each other
Maybe, but presumably the Dutch side didn't have any idea either.
-
Truly madness. It is on the Vitesse Arnhem site that it is cancelled. I have just come from the ticket office and they had no idea until the manager checked and said "oh yes it is"... irrespective of if another is being organised an announcement would be nice.
For those of us travelling with hotels booked return flights etc. lots have gone out this morning and the only idea we have is from the team we are playing. They really need to get there crap sorted or at least let us know there is an issue
Luckily due to work I am only going sat to Monday but surely villa would or should have known about the issue of two non German teams not allowed to play each other
Maybe, but presumably the Dutch side didn't have any idea either.
I agree, but we still no announcement and up until about an hour ago the ticket office had no idea either.
-
As somebody who works in a box office it doesn't surprise me that those on the front line were last to know about any cancellation.
-
This is all very unprofessional. The venue of the original game wasn't announced until very late in the day, and it was a small stadium in a town, Erkenschwick, that's difficult to get to by public transport. I thought at the time that Villa didn't seem to realise that some of their fans were staying on in Germany and taking time off work in order to watch their team. And now this - a late switch to Gütersloh (I believe), with Bielefeld as the opponents. The cheapest return rail fare from Düsseldorf to Gütersloh is €60 for the saver, or €72 normal rate. Again, the convenience of the fans seems to have been given a very low priority, this includes our German supporters who were hoping to get to the Tuesday game.
-
What a fiasco
Really bad form
-
The Mail is reporting that one of the German games is off but I cannot see anything anywhere else?
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-pre-season-game-13363820
Good job the Vitesse Arnhem game is off; we're playing Bristol City on 25th August!
-
A bit of a balls up for those that had already booked travel and accomodation but I originally thought it was an odd choice of venue. Luckily, Gütersloh is only 50km down the road from me so its all worked out swimmingly!
To anyone who has already planned the trip, Gütersloh isn't too far from Recklinghausen via train and will take just under 2 hours with one change.
https://www.bahn.com/en/view/index.shtml
-
I've just checked with my buddies in Holland - a PSV fan and a Feyenoord fan (who lives near Arnhem) - they have looked on the Vitesse website and apparently the Germans have literally moved the goalposts and will not permit two "foreign clubs to play a fixture on German soil
All a bit bizarre - so does that mean they will not be hosting any major championships or Euro finals in the future?
Whatever next? .....invading Poland (only joking).
Is this how Brexit will look over the coming months?
-
Villa arrive at the training camp near Dortmund
(http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa87/frpattison/Villa%20Dortmund.jpg)
-
Hi Frank, are you over there at the minute?
i.e. did you take the photo?
Am I getting older or are Villa players getting younger? (John Terry aside)
-
Supposed to be getting some shut eyes before catching my cab to the station for the 3.30am train to Ringway (manc airport)
-
Hi Frank, are you over there at the minute?
i.e. did you take the photo?
Am I getting older or are Villa players getting younger? (John Terry aside)
Flying London City to Düsseldorf tomorrow and looking forward to meetings as enjoyable as those in Bremen. The photo was forwarded by one of the German Villans - Villa are training and staying at his sports club.
I don't think all the Villa players are getting younger if you consider this week's signings.
-
Gary Gardner hasn't travelled
If we're taking the squad down to 20 he's on the way out presumably
-
Supposed to be getting some shut eyes before catching my cab to the station for the 3.30am train to Ringway (manc airport)
Okay Hun, keep safe x
-
I see McKirdy has travelles whereas McCormack and Tish haven't
Which I think means none of the players we signed before last season started are now in SB plans? I make that over £20m wasted on Gollini, Elphick, Tish, McCormack. I reckon we'd do well to get anywhere near £10m back for that lot
-
Not really surprised about Tshibola not travelling but I am with McCormack unless he's injured.
-
Have Elmo, Whelan , Samba travelled?
Can I have a quick reminder of game dates and times please .
-
Not really surprised about Tshibola not travelling but I am with McCormack unless he's injured.
Gate problems?
-
Can someone post the full squad that has travelled? Can't find it on the OS. Be interesting to see who else has been left behind.
-
Not really surprised about Tshibola not travelling but I am with McCormack unless he's injured.
Stuck in his house.
-
Hi Frank, are you over there at the minute?
i.e. did you take the photo?
Am I getting older or are Villa players getting younger? (John Terry aside)
I'm glad it isn't just me. I thought that was the Villa youth team until I spotted John Terry!
-
Am I getting older or are Villa players getting younger? (John Terry aside)
I thought the same. They look like 5th years going on a school trip.
-
Am I getting older or are Villa players getting younger? (John Terry aside)
I thought the same. They look like 5th years going on a school trip.
As we get older the players now do look start to look like schoolkids. But why do the pictures of players from the 60s/70s still look like men ?
-
Not really surprised about Tshibola not travelling but I am with McCormack unless he's injured.
There really must be some kind of issue with Tshibola. I find it surprising as Steve Clarke worked with him at Reading and he would have been signed on his recommendation. If it is an attitude problem as opposed to an ability one, then I struggle to see why Clarke would have recommended him.
-
He prays to God, he must be a good lad.
-
Aston Villa v MSV Duisburg 12pm – 45min game
Hertha Berlin v Malaga 1pm – 45min game
3rd v 4th place play-off 2pm – 45min game
Final 3pm – 45min game
I know it's only pre-season but I'm kind of excited about potentially being in a final at 3pm today.
-
Aston Villa v MSV Duisburg 12pm – 45min game
Hertha Berlin v Malaga 1pm – 45min game
3rd v 4th place play-off 2pm – 45min game
Final 3pm – 45min game
I know it's only pre-season but I'm kind of excited about potentially being in a final at 3pm today.
A lovely sunny day in the Lakes, Villa on telly, I'm excited too.
-
Come on Villa !!
-
Bit of a lively start, almost scored there
-
Where's the commentary?
We have started well though these were third tier last season
Whose the tiny no 29 for us?
-
Great save by Steer there, think it's Steer?
-
I think It's Johnstone?
They look quite nifty in attack but less good at the back
-
Elmo surprisingly good in the air
-
Great save by Steer there, think it's Steer?
Yeah steer in goals
-
It's Johnstone
They look quite nifty in attack but less good at the back
Birmingham mail names steer?
-
Aston Villa v MSV Duisburg 12pm – 45min game
Hertha Berlin v Malaga 1pm – 45min game
3rd v 4th place play-off 2pm – 45min game
Final 3pm – 45min game
I know it's only pre-season but I'm kind of excited about potentially being in a final at 3pm today.
A lovely sunny day in the Lakes, Villa on telly, I'm excited too.
Not available in Spain, any suggestions, please?.......Godzvilla!
-
They're troubling us down our left
-
Aston Villa v MSV Duisburg 12pm – 45min game
Hertha Berlin v Malaga 1pm – 45min game
3rd v 4th place play-off 2pm – 45min game
Final 3pm – 45min game
I know it's only pre-season but I'm kind of excited about potentially being in a final at 3pm today.
A lovely sunny day in the Lakes, Villa on telly, I'm excited too.
Not available in Spain, any suggestions, please?.......Godzvilla!
There's a link on the Birmingham mail website
-
I stand corrected it is steer
Could do with a confidence boosting win here - playing three kids in midfield is a bit risky in that respect
-
Where's the commentary?
We have started well though these were third tier last season
Whose the tiny no 29 for us?
Is it McKirdy ??
-
Good to see travel and team bonding hasn't improved our effectiveness on the pitch. Relatively speaking Duisburg are playing champagne football at times, were drinking wine from a box.
-
Hands up who's realising they started to get a bit over excited about Andre green?
👍
-
Hands up who's realising they started to get a bit over excited about Andre green?
👍
Goal thing from Andre
-
Kiss of death!
Bloody shocking defending tho!
-
Where's the commentary?
We have started well though these were third tier last season
Whose the tiny no 29 for us?
Is it McKirdy ??
O'Hare I reckon
-
Get in... good goal.
-
Where's the commentary?
We have started well though these were third tier last season
Whose the tiny no 29 for us?
Is it McKirdy ??
No....O'Hare
-
Good play by Callum "Bucky" O'Hare
-
Gooooooooooooolll
Good work by the no 29
-
Good play by Callum "Bucky" O'Hare
Yes, he's a nice player isn't he. Tenacious and skilful.
-
Who I now see has been identified as O'Hare. Elmo did well in the build-up as well.
-
Hutton' crossing 🙄🙄
-
Good to see travel and team bonding hasn't improved our effectiveness on the pitch. Relatively speaking Duisburg are playing champagne football at times, were drinking wine from a box.
Haha. I like that.
Wine from a box, outside a corner shop. In Corby.
-
Fuck me!
-
Cracking goal from Hogan
-
What a cracker 0-2
-
Yes Scotty, get in....
-
Goopoooooolllll
Hogan from Elmo cross
-
Now that was a good goal
I'm liking the look of that Elmo to Hogan combo
-
Elmo so far has looked very good. Great cross
-
Elmo is what Hogans been missing
-
Hogan has looked sharp, and a lot quicker than he looked last year. Good on him.
-
What we've said for ages - Hogan needs byline crosses
-
Aston Villa v MSV Duisburg 12pm – 45min game
Hertha Berlin v Malaga 1pm – 45min game
3rd v 4th place play-off 2pm – 45min game
Final 3pm – 45min game
I know it's only pre-season but I'm kind of excited about potentially being in a final at 3pm today.
A lovely sunny day in the Lakes, Villa on telly, I'm excited too.
Not available in Spain, any suggestions, please?.......Godzvilla!
There's a link on the Birmingham mail website
Thanks for that, it's what I tried but , as I said, unavailable in Spain and some other countries...Godzvilla!
-
Doyle-Hayes looks quite good doesn't he?
-
I would lose my marbles playing with Hutton.
-
Who's our 17? Kid has been all over the place
-
I would lose my marbles playing with Hutton.
Your marbles would either be with the defender at the near post or have floated over your head for a throw in
-
Elmo hogan nearly came off again....great attacking pace . Do we think it'll be totally different team in final ?
-
No surprises at Mutton being the weak link going forward.
-
Elmo hogan nearly came off again....great attacking pace . Do we think it'll be totally different team in final ?
It was suggested two different line ups
-
Despite my lack of excitement with the Elmohamady signing, hes providing a good source from the right hand side.
-
No surprises at Mutton being the weak link going forward.
He is a clumsy footballer. Whatever one good thing he does is spoiled by several other incidents of uselessness.
-
No surprises at Mutton being the weak link going forward.
He is a clumsy footballer. Whatever one good thing he does is spoiled by several other incidents of uselessness.
I genuinely think his crossing accuracy must be something like 3%
-
Typical Hutton right there. Good run, shit touch, gives it away
-
Few, he can score then...
-
3-0 Excellent by Hogan again
-
Scotty is on fire!
-
Great goal Hogan
-
I would lose my marbles playing with Hutton.
Your marbles would either be with the defender at the near post or have floated over your head for a throw in
Floated over the head for a throw in every time...
-
Hogan isn't fucking around today, two class goals.
-
This is more like it
I mean their defence is shit - but still
Hogan making lots of great runs. Elmo looking great. Terry's quick passing out of defence is a real asset. Do like the look of Doyle-Hayes or whatever his name is
Ich sehr mochte
-
what time is our next match
-
what time is our next match
Final at 3
-
Where's the commentary?
We have started well though these were third tier last season
Whose the tiny no 29 for us?
Is it McKirdy ??
No....O'Hare
Looks like he's not just an ORDinary player
-
Whos the Grealish lookalike? (29) He's picking up some good positions and is constantly on the move.......
edit- Just seen the above posts.
-
what time is our next match
Final at 3
ta
-
Who's No.29 again?
-
The only players not doing great are Hutton (Hutton) green (wrong choices) and hourihane (ropey touches)
-
Being a Villan is exciting at last!
-
Doyle-Hayes looks quite good doesn't he?
Yes if this is his first start he's very very impressive
-
Steer, Hutton, Chester, Terry, Taylor, Elmohamady, Doyle-Hayes, Hourihane, Green, O’Hare, Hogan.
yep, Doyle-Hayes. That's a new name to me
-
Where's the commentary?
We have started well though these were third tier last season
Whose the tiny no 29 for us?
Is it McKirdy ??
No....O'Hare
Looks like he's not just an ORDinary player
YYZ understands and approves
-
Looks promising does the young Doyles, just stay away from the Gabby and Micah crew.
-
Who's No.29 again?
ORD
-
Doyle-Hayes MOM
-
Can't wait to add the SGT trophy to this one next week
-
Where's the commentary?
We have started well though these were third tier last season
Whose the tiny no 29 for us?
Is it McKirdy ??
No....O'Hare
Looks like he's not just an ORDinary player
YYZ understands and approves
Still think that someone should have done a spoof of the Rachel Stevens song.... Sweet Dreams My BHX
-
Impressed with that. Hogan looks really sharp, Elmo made a huge difference down the right and the youngsters looked good too. Well played.
-
Doyle-Hayes MOM
Agree. He looks the part.
-
Never understood how Lester B. Pearson International Airport ended up with the code YYZ
Any ideas TV?
-
Never understood how Lester B. Pearson International Airport ended up with the code YYZ
Any ideas TV?
There's actually no proper reason for it. All Canadian airports start with Y. The logical thing when codes were created would have been to call it YTO, but TO is specifically referenced to things in the city of Toronto. Pearson airport is in Mississauga, a suburb of Greater Toronto. It could have been YTZ, but the small downtown airport already had that, so it got YYZ instead.
-
The next game will be much tougher. Both Hertha and Malaga play in the top divisions in Germany and Spain respectively.
-
This is more like it
I mean their defence is shit - but still
Shit doesn't do their defence justice. The amount of space Hogan had for his first and the way that defender ended up the wrong side of Hogan for his second were efforts I'd have been embarrassed by when I used to trundle around a local field on a Sunday morning.
But at least Hogan's putting them away.
-
Yep - 3pm right? If i were Malaga or Hertha I'd probably put my stronger team out for the first match though
I imagine we'll see quite a few different faces for us too
-
I'll go for
Johnstone, Bree, Amavi, Samba, Baker, Whelan, Lansbury, Grealish, Thor, Adomah, Gabby
-
The next game will be much tougher. Both Hertha and Malaga play in the top divisions in Germany and Spain respectively.
Even though Malaga are looking the strongest right now, I'm seeing a Hertha vs Us final.
-
Penalties?
-
Malaga could have had five by now
Just the one though
Will be a tough test
-
Such a shame that the Walsall friendly lasted 90 minutes and the Duisburg one lasted 45.
-
Harry McKirdy plays and looks like Jack's younger skinny brother :)
-
Malaga could have had five by now
Just the one though
Will be a tough test
Hertha going through by the look of it, thanks to someone who must be Robbie Savage's German equivalent. What a cheating twat.
-
I'll go for
Johnstone, Bree, Amavi, Samba, Baker, Whelan, Lansbury, Grealish, Thor, Adomah, Gabby
Agree but isn't Albert injured ? Maybe another untried youngster such as Keinan Davis or Hepburn Murphy ?
-
No:23 for Hertha is a loose cannon. If they go through we need to not rise to his dirty tricks.
-
Good to hear Elmo and Scotty did well.
-
Malaga could have had five by now
Just the one though
Will be a tough test
Hertha going through by the look of it, thanks to someone who must be Robbie Savage's German equivalent. What a cheating twat.
That was a cheating bastard.
Then a chant "you've only come to see the Villa "
-
Why was the game refereed by priests?
-
Both teams obviously didn't get the "friendly" memo.
-
I'd like to see Keinan get a game - the little I've seen of him looks quite good. He is the only s orthodox CF we have.
-
Off topic - but Shrewsbury just beat Wolves 2-0
*runs to bookies to lump on them for promotion at 33/1*
-
Was hoping that Hertha would go through. Already seen us play Malaga before.
-
Harry McKirdy plays and looks like Jack's younger skinny brother :)
You calling Jack fat? I'll tell Frosty on ya! #GrealishFrDamo
-
Captain Agbonlahor. Tut
-
Tony Daley down the wing like a torpedo, he puts the ball up in the airrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
-
Super Samba
-
Good tackle Damba
-
Good work by Gabby closing down the keeper, and good tackle by Samba.
-
Ha! They just described Bruce as Aston Villa's Coach. How little they know.
-
Steer, Bree, Richards, Samba, Amavi, Bjarnason, Whelan, Lansbury, Grealish, McKirdy, Agbonlahor.
-
Super Samba
Great block then clearing header..... teamsheet ?
-
Nice noisy crowd.
-
"Empty seats"
-
No commentary on youtube?
-
McKirdy looks a bit lost
-
Micah crocked again
-
Micah Richards decides 10 minutes is more than enough for his work day.
-
Richards injury, replaced by no 22 !?!?
-
His excuse to get wages doing nothing
-
Micah crocked again
Couldn't be fucking arsed, more like.
-
Davis on up front, Gabby to left wing, Bjork to right back, Bree to centre half
-
Amavi showing off there and fooling everyone!
-
McKirdy is a dead ringer for Dane DeHaan, the angsty teenager in Chronicle.
-
Whelan wearing 10
I was expecting Kod to take that one
-
He wants 22
-
Nice play.
-
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL
-
Close from Jack after he rides yet another attempted hack down
-
The big Samba makes it 1-0
-
Chrissssssssssssdssss
-
Yess!
-
Let's all have a Samba, let's all have a Samba
-
No Guzan to keep it out
-
Beast!
-
Goal from the colossal Samba
-
The defender jumped pretty well and Chris was still way above him
-
We might actually look like scoring from corners this season with Terry and possibly Samba.
-
I knew when liking up Big Samba's signing pic he'd come through.
-
All together now..
-
Somehow I don't think that's Hertha's first choice keeper
-
That was good track I'm back from Gabby
-
McKirdys trying to hard. Needs to calm down a bit
-
Who's number 37? He's struggling.
-
Who's number 37? He's struggling.
The Hurdy McKirdy Man
-
Who's number 37? He's struggling.
I was guessing McKirdy - though not sure
-
Who's number 37? He's struggling.
I cant see who it is, buts he's well off the pace.
-
All together now..
I did my part on the twitter machines.
-
I like Whelan already but he doesn't look fit
-
Thor has looked very assured at RB surprisingly
-
Thor's touch is a lot more assured today.
-
Apart from then as he tore through them.
-
Better from Hurdy
-
Whatever is going on, our fans seem to be having a good time!!
-
There doesn't seem to much wrong with Amavi's fitness
-
Whatever is going on, our fans seem to be having a good time!!
I think one or two shandy's might have something to do with it.
-
Number 16 is good.
-
Fuck Samba is huge and strong in the air 💪
-
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL Gabby with good work!
-
He almost missed 😂
-
GABBBBBBY
-
Whatever is going on, our fans seem to be having a good time!!
Frank's about to streak
Meanwhile........Gabbbbbbbbbbbyyyyyyyy
-
Good work Gabby.
-
Gabby with a cool finish, just!
-
Well, well, Gabby puts one away!!!!!
-
Gabby he "killed" their number 15
-
I've never doubted the fat fucker!
-
He almost missed 😂
Alternatively, he rounded the keeper and slotted the ball home nicely
-
Gabby scoring a one-on-one? Wonders will never cease...
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Keeper got a hand on it but Gabby kept his cool well. That number 15 is going to feel like Louis Tomlinson
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Jack is looking good not a hair out of place.
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Gabby did a Louis Tomlinson on their number 15!
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He almost missed 😂
Alternatively, he rounded the keeper and slotted the ball home nicely
It was the rounding the keeper bit i was thinking off
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Gabby did a Louis Tomlinson on their number 15!
We really are great minds Mr Shin
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Whatever is going on, our fans seem to be having a good time!!
I think one or two shandy's might have something to do with it.
Crowd shots suggest that you're correct
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Samba give us a wave. Brilliant !
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In fairness Gabby has played well. If he can keep it going he will be an asset this season.
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Keeper got a hand on it but Gabby kept his cool well. That number 15 is going to feel like Louis Tomlinson
Tomlinson 😭😭😭😭
That was fun
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Gabby did a Louis Tomlinson on their number 15!
We really are great minds Mr Shin
Who is Louis Tomlinson ?
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Gabby did a Louis Tomlinson on their number 15!
We really are great minds Mr Shin
Who is Louis Tomlinson ?
The One Direction kid that Gabby destroyed in that charity game at Celtic Park
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Gabby did a Louis Tomlinson on their number 15!
We really are great minds Mr Shin
Come on TV you knocked 23 seconds off Mr Shins post stop being kind.
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Whisper it, but we've looked a lot more organized, seem to have a style of plan and some plan of attack in both games. Getting better slowly
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Gabby did a Louis Tomlinson on their number 15!
We really are great minds Mr Shin
Who is Louis Tomlinson ?
The One Direction kid that Gabby destroyed in that charity game at Celtic Park
Who then threw up on the sidelines.
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Whisper it, but we've looked a lot more organized, seem to have a style of plan and some plan of attack in both games. Getting better slowly
Don't do that it will only come back to bite you
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Whisper it, but we've looked a lot more organized, seem to have a style of plan and some plan of attack in both games. Getting better slowly
Yes, there's been a lot of commitment in both games.
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Gabby did a Louis Tomlinson on their number 15!
We really are great minds Mr Shin
Come on TV you knocked 23 seconds off Mr Shins post stop being kind.
It's Sunday morning here and I'm feeling mellow and charitable Olly. Had this been Saturday I'd be putting him in his place.
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I know it's only a 45 minute friendly but we've looked a lot better in this game. Was out earlier so no idea how we looked in the first game.
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They don't like it up em do they
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Their players have got this chucking themselves to the floor nailed perfectly.
They've been doing it the whole half / match.
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Whelan just a couple of days late with that tackle.
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Nearly 14000 watching online, impressive stuff.
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Amavis played well
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Errr, where's it gone?!
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Blackout!!!!
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My YT feed has just gone
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I know it's only a 45 minute friendly but we've looked a lot better in this game. Was out earlier so no idea how we looked in the first game.
Much the same. Elmo looked excellent and Hogan very sharp. Terry untroubled for the most part
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It's disappeared!
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Stream's gone.
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Nearly 14000 watching online, impressive stuff.
Too many obviously as it's disappeared!
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Coverage gone !
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2-2.
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I blame PWS for the blackout!!
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By winning a trophy we've broken youtube.
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Blackout!!!!
Great song by an underrated rock band
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Just tuned in, can someone please explain what's going on - two games?
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Not just the game. I can't get back on to YT
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Nearly 14000 watching online, impressive stuff.
Not anymore!
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Didn't recognise the name but I do remember the incident you're talking about
https://youtu.be/ydDiiHc5iK8
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Blackout!!!!
Great song by an underrated rock band
I agree
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Got it back with foreign commentary... it's under Duisburg vs Malaga.
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And... it has finished.
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Typical Villa. We're actually winning and they manage to lose the stream.
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First major trophy since the Hong Kong 7s and we're gonna miss it.
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Have we actually won the trophy? Don't we still have one game to play?
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Just tuned in, can someone please explain what's going on - two games?
Beat Duisburg comfortably in the end 3-0. They looked better for a spell. Elmo very good, Hogan very sharp. Jack Doyle-Hayes outstanding. This game very solid in all aspects of the game.
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Not a Villa stream
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Dunno if there will be any more coverage but it was also here
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We're all going to miss us lifting our first trophy since the much desired Peace Cup. Typical.
XIA out!
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its back
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2-2.
And Hertha win on pens >:(
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What's a ferreteria? Do Spaniards have special shops where you can buy ferrets?
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There's someone on the pitch singing I Will Survive
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Didn't catch all of either of them but from what I saw this is much more like how we should've been playing all along. Mixing a few kids in helped a lot because the senior players we have are pretty much all honest grafters and it's the youngsters that give us a bit of unpredictability.
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Who got the tjird?
-
There's someone on the pitch singing I Will Survive
Are they wearing a pink suit?
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Assume we are the champions? Or is the song something chosen by Bruce because we blew the lead and lost?
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Is there another game?
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There's someone on the pitch singing I Will Survive
That's Luis Tomlinson.
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According to Greggggggg Evans, we won the tournament.
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Now showing highlights
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According to Greggggggg Evans, we won the tournament.
Is John getting ready to lift the cup?
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Champions!!!!!!
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Take that Angela. You put out your top German sides against us and we destroyed them. Champions of Europe again!!!
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According to Greggggggg Evans, we won the tournament.
Is John getting ready to lift the cup?
You just know he's still in his kit don't you LOL
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How bloody annoying. Did we win or what?
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Did we win or what?
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Whats occuring, fkn restricted views.
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How bloody annoying. Did we win or what?
Yep, European domination has begun
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2-2.
Hilarious
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That parrot looks like he'd be useful in the air.
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What the fuckin ell is that? Love it.
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Gabby not keen on speeches.
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How bloody annoying. Did we win or what?
Yep, European domination has begun
Great. I'm off to run around the bullring in me hippy hat
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That trophy is actually pretty cool.
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What a monstrous trophy lol
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Only saw 15 mins but grealish looked good
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Well that's the first part of the quadruple in the trophy room.
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WTF,hahahahaha.
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Gollem emerging from a ball.....😂
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The trophy is bigger than McCurdy.
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Laughing my socks off, no players want to be seen with that trophy
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The trophy is bigger than McCurdy.
Strange trophy, why have a life size model of Barry Bannan coming out of a ball?
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(http://preview.ibb.co/fnQJX5/IMG_0118.jpg) (http://ibb.co/gTjqek)
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Well that was quite fun watching Villa. It will never catch on.
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JT already lifted his first trophy
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Terry already saying it's the greatest moment in his career.
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We a bit happier after these friendlies?
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Well that was an enjoyable 90 minutes of football.
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I hope the Open Top Bus is booked
-
I hope the Open Top Bus is booked
We're not Birmingham City. They'd be dining off this fucker for 50 years.
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We seem to like beating German teams in finals.
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We a bit happier after these friendlies?
I only watched the Hertha game. The commitment is there. Bloody hell, for a friendly we were taking no prisoners. Still not sure what we're trying to do other than get in their faces and improve fitness.
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We a bit happier after these friendlies?
Well it does look like a bit of team spirit is creeping in
-
The trophy was a bit naff. It was the kind of thing Jossy's Giants would have won.
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The trophy was a bit naff. It was the kind of thing Jossy's Giants would have won.
Can't see it making "The" cabinet.
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I fel a lot more positive after this weekend. Positives for me are Hogan looking sharp, Terry's leadership, Samba looking good and scoring - with good deliveries from corners he and Terry will be real threats and Callum O'Hare impressing yesterday. And Elmo looked really good down the right wing.
What was especially good today was seeing us playing through the midfield instead of hoofing it.
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Just booked myself in for 3 minutes at the tattoo studio to get the Cup of Traditions inked.
-
The trophy was a bit naff. It was the kind of thing Jossy's Giants would have won.
I wonder if they'll leave it at the airport. Great to see the lads having a laugh though.
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Just watched the MSV game on Playback. Although he didn't have a great deal to do Terry seems to give us real calmness and assurance at the back. He looks up for it and seems to fit in. I'm starting to think this will turn out to have been a great bit of business and suspect the season ticket ripper uppers will come round to him soon enough
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I liked the way Samba celebrated his goal with a simple fist pump. I felt that it meant something to him.
McKirdy looks a grumpy fucker, and I like grumpy in my footballers, to me, it shows they're committed and don't like losing.
I think the trophy is made of polystyrene, it must be because if it isn't nobody would be able to lift it. Either that or Balsa wood.
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Well that was an enjoyable 90 minutes of football.
Didn't see the game but according to one of my betting apps it was 40 minutes per half?
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Well that was an enjoyable 90 minutes of football.
Didn't see the game but according to one of my betting apps it was 40 minutes per half?
We played 2 matches, 45 minutes each.
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Are there sweeties and skittles in the column of the trophy? Looks epic.
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The trophy was a bit naff. It was the kind of thing Jossy's Giants would have won.
Christ, are you never satisfied.
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(http://thumb.ibb.co/c1Z4pk/IMG_2947.jpg) (http://ibb.co/c1Z4pk)
best picture hosting (http://imgbb.com/)
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There's seemed to be much more attacking purpose today, long may it continue. Good to see Elmo and Grealish taking players on. Great finishing from Hogan some promising performances from the kids.
I actually thought Gabby may have committed a foul for his goal but the fact he was getting stuck in was a positive. I suppose. He's gonna earn himself a new bloody contract isn't he?
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What was the trophy that Gabby got ? Player of the Tournament ?
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(http://thumb.ibb.co/c1Z4pk/IMG_2947.jpg) (http://ibb.co/c1Z4pk)
best picture hosting (http://imgbb.com/)
Champions of England!
Champions of Spain!
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What was the trophy that Gabby got ? Player of the Tournament ?
Man Of The Match - for the final I presume
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(http://thumb.ibb.co/c1Z4pk/IMG_2947.jpg) (http://ibb.co/c1Z4pk)
best picture hosting (http://imgbb.com/)
Champions of England!
Champions of Spain!
Champions of Europe no less.
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What was the trophy that Gabby got ? Player of the Tournament ?
Man Of The Match - for the final I presume
Aha. Yes. I don't think he even played in the first game. Doh !!! Thank you.
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First silverware of the season, long may it continue.
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There's seemed to be much more attacking purpose today, long may it continue. Good to see Elmo and Grealish taking players on. Great finishing from Hogan some promising performances from the kids.
I actually thought Gabby may have committed a foul for his goal but the fact he was getting stuck in was a positive. I suppose. He's gonna earn himself a new bloody contract isn't he?
May? It was GBH!
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Nothing wrong with that goal. Their players spent the whole game collapsing to the floor, so bollocks to them.
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Overall reflections:
1. I really REALLY enjoyed watching it. Five goals in 90 minutes and some v good performances
2. Standouts for me:
- defence looked strong, especially Terry and samba
- Doyle-Hoyes and to lesser extent Green and O'Hare (McKirdy struggled for most the game)
- could see pattern emerging, more penetration, more pace
3. Must bear in mind that Duisburg were shocking at the backfor all three goals and the ref did us a favour for Gabby's.
4. We looked much better with our forwards running in behind - but remains to be seen how well we do when teams play deep (we struggled v Walsall here)
5. Elmohamady was very good - albeit against a weak team. Grealish played quite well and nearly scored, but was a bit sloppy on occasion. If we play this formation that 10 position is key.
6. But overall feeling much more positive now. Even though doesn't really count for much
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The trophy was a bit naff. It was the kind of thing Jossy's Giants would have won.
Christ, are you never satisfied.
The trophy design is horrific. We're all tickled pink that we are champions of something this weekend.
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The trophy was a bit naff. It was the kind of thing Jossy's Giants would have won.
Christ, are you never satisfied.
The trophy design is horrific. We're all tickled pink that we are champions of something this weekend.
Maybe we could go back to the years of being 'Champions Of Europe' and the old Le Coq Sportif kit with the badge in the middle and under it the words 'Champions Of Something'.
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The trophy was a bit naff. It was the kind of thing Jossy's Giants would have won.
Christ, are you never satisfied.
Harsh,
that's probably the first time Clampy's moaned on here about anything for about 5 years and your straight jumping down his throat
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Cup winners - that calls for a beer in the bath!
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Where is RHM? I must have missed something as I have not seen his name in any friendlies
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Isn't Clampy more regular accused of being a 'clapper?
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There's seemed to be much more attacking purpose today, long may it continue. Good to see Elmo and Grealish taking players on. Great finishing from Hogan some promising performances from the kids.
I actually thought Gabby may have committed a foul for his goal but the fact he was getting stuck in was a positive. I suppose. He's gonna earn himself a new bloody contract isn't he?
May? It was GBH!
Remember Benteke's goal against Malaga in a pre season friendly? The defender went off wth a broken collar bone. Swatted the poor fucker away like a beach ball.
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I like the trophy. Pure kitsch.
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I was impressed by how the youngsters got involved and pressured their opponents, that comes of having some stable heads around that will not wilt.
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I was impressed by how the youngsters got involved and pressured their opponents, that comes of having some stable heads around that will not wilt.
Yes, they were very impressive. Nice to see.
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Looking a lot better today, and always nice to win any trophy!
Positives - El Mohamady looked good, Samba will give Bruce a selection headache, Terry was excellent, Hogan finally looked decent. No sign of 3 at the back, looks like 4-4-2 this season.
Negative - Hope Richards injury doesn't stop us selling the useless donkey. Still at least if he is injured he can't play.
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(http://thumb.ibb.co/c1Z4pk/IMG_2947.jpg) (http://ibb.co/c1Z4pk)
best picture hosting (http://imgbb.com/)
Terry not in full kit for a trophy presentation shocker!
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Champions .... of the WORLD.
That was really fun though. I think the players enjoyed it as well.
I want to temper my enthusiasm but my god its nice to have Chris Samba in the side. I just feel like we wont make comedy mistakes with him there.
Nice to see Hogan do well, also special shout out to some of Amavi's ball control at speed.
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There's someone on the pitch singing I Will Survive
Is his name D. Ismay? (he says with dismay)
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I like the trophy. Pure kitsch.
Donated from Clifford Cross Brian
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Smart goals from Hogan. I think he'll be a big hit this season.
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Smart goals from Hogan. I think he'll be a big hit this season.
Hope so. I think Elmo will be a very important player.
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I want to temper my enthusiasm but my god its nice to have Chris Samba in the side. I just feel like we wont make comedy mistakes with him there.
I know what you are saying but the thought of Samba, Terry, Jedinak and Whelan being on the pitch at the same time worries me immensely.
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Disagree with matt that Gabby fouled their defender, he was simply out-muscled. Most refs like to see a physical tussle and will let it go, and usually it goes they defender's way. this time it didn't. Absolutely nothing wrong with Gabby's challenge which was just a physical presence.
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Smart goals from Hogan. I think he'll be a big hit this season.
Keep playing the balls into him in the manner in which we did today and he'll bury them all day long. Keep playing the balls long and isolating him as we did on too many occasions last season and he'll look lost.
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I loved what Hogan did and what he's capable of. I wonder how it all comes together when Jimmy D is fit again?
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Its almost like a different set-up with kodjia but you have to try and play them together to see if it works. I doubt it will and I doubt he'll be a Villa player in 12 months time.
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Lovely way of letting the ball run effectively for Scotty's second.
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Kodjia should play off Hogan - that would work. JK always looks better coming from wide.
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Just watched both games. Some things of note I felt:
- Played 4-4-2 in both games. Surely going to begin the season with that formation
- Sides were a bit mix and match, but combinations starting to come together - Chester and Terry in central defence, Whelan and Lansbury in central midfield, Elmohamady and Green starting in the wings together
- Hogan looked sharp and scored two excellent goals
- After a while in the second game, Grealish went into a more central 'number 10' role and had a few passes threaded through to him. If we are to get the best out of Hogan, then I think playing that kind of formation might be the best way. If Grealish can finally crack it this season and become the player we all hope he will be, then that might be a partnership that could really be one to watch.
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That was a relief after watching our earlier pre-season games.
The defence was solid as a rock in both games.
Elmo looks like he might be okay.
We showed some energy and wanting to get at the other side instead of going through the motions.
The young boys performed well and Hogan shows what he is capable of given some service.
I particularly liked his second against Duisberg as he had a bit to do to get goal side of their defender and then slot it in the corner as the keeper came out.
Roll on the real thing.
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I liked the way Samba celebrated his goal with a simple fist pump. I felt that it meant something to him.
McKirdy looks a grumpy fucker, and I like grumpy in my footballers, to me, it shows they're committed and don't like losing.
I think the trophy is made of polystyrene, it must be because if it isn't nobody would be able to lift it. Either that or Balsa wood.
Is Balsa our new super-strong centre forward?
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I liked the way Samba celebrated his goal with a simple fist pump. I felt that it meant something to him.
McKirdy looks a grumpy fucker, and I like grumpy in my footballers, to me, it shows they're committed and don't like losing.
I think the trophy is made of polystyrene, it must be because if it isn't nobody would be able to lift it. Either that or Balsa wood.
Is Balsa our new super-strong centre forward?
I woodn't count on it
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We'll be pine up front with Kodj and Hogan.
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If only we could get Ash back again.
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Loved the old school slow version of 'Holte Enders In The Sky', that's how it should be sung. Bring it back.
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We'll be pine up front with Kodj and Hogan.
They may get some needle.
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Balsa is too lightweight up front. We need somebody larch.
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So long as he has the enthusiasm for the club that Birchy had
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Balsa is too lightweight up front. We need somebody larch.
I wood knot disagree with you there Brian.
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you lot cant see the wood for the trees.
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Loved the old school slow version of 'Holte Enders In The Sky', that's how it should be sung. Bring it back.
Your have to thank big h for that the whole repertoire came out yesterday
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Loved the old school slow version of 'Holte Enders In The Sky', that's how it should be sung. Bring it back.
Your have to thank big h for that the whole repertoire came out yesterday
Heh, based on the Burl Ives original rather than the Jonny Cash knock-off?
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According to Fotmob we are at Tamworth on Friday. I can't imagine we will put out a very strong team with Watford scheduled for Saturday.
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Loved the old school slow version of 'Holte Enders In The Sky', that's how it should be sung. Bring it back.
Your have to thank big h for that the whole repertoire came out yesterday
Wasn't at the game watched on you tube. The camera homed in on Big H right in mid flow!
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I missed the 1st game - any highlights of the goals please
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If the games were played in Germany, two German sides in the competition along with one English and one Spanish, why was La Liga so prominently featured?
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I missed the 1st game - any highlights of the goals please
You can watch the whole 45 minutes on the clubs youtube site
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well, all but the last 5 minutes.
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I particularly liked his second against Duisberg as he had a bit to do to get goal side of their defender
He really, really didn't. I played my entire Sunday football career in defence and I'd be embarrassed at how badly that defender misjudged the ball.
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All four teams involved in the tournament were sponsored by betting companies.
Just thought I would mention it.
Turrar
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I missed the 1st game - any highlights of the goals please
If you are on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AstonVillaTheInformer/videos/1308039462642453/ (https://www.facebook.com/AstonVillaTheInformer/videos/1308039462642453/) (Hope the link works).
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All four teams involved in the tournament were sponsored by betting companies.
Just thought I would mention it.
Turrar
Blimey, what were the odds on that?
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All four teams involved in the tournament were sponsored by betting companies.
Just thought I would mention it.
Turrar
Blimey, what were the odds on that?
Evens
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Most hideous troph ever.
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Most hideous troph ever.
Not bad for 13 quid, mind.
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All four teams involved in the tournament were sponsored by betting companies.
Just thought I would mention it.
Turrar
Blimey, what were the odds on that?
Evens
Odds on would be a better bet.
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I particularly liked his second against Duisberg as he had a bit to do to get goal side of their defender
He really, really didn't. I played my entire Sunday football career in defence and I'd be embarrassed at how badly that defender misjudged the ball.
Yep - four of the five goals we scored involved shocking defending, which should temper our excitement a bit (though still great to get 5 in 90 minutes and we definitely looked more dangerous full stop).
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According to Fotmob we are at Tamworth on Friday. I can't imagine we will put out a very strong team with Watford scheduled for Saturday.
Confirmed by Tamworth as a "Aston Villa XI" so the U-23's basically.
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I particularly liked his second against Duisberg as he had a bit to do to get goal side of their defender
He really, really didn't. I played my entire Sunday football career in defence and I'd be embarrassed at how badly that defender misjudged the ball.
Awful positioning. The defending for Gabby's goal was terrible too. We'll be lucky if teams defend like that against us next season.
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According to Fotmob we are at Tamworth on Friday.
Do Tamworth have a team? Are you sure you're not confusing them with Drayton Manor Theme Park XI?
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I've just seen we've sold 5k tickets for the SGT game. Is that right?
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I've just seen we've sold 5k tickets for the SGT game. Is that right?
Yes - tickets haven't been on sale for long and it is main holiday season. We will have done well to get to 10k.
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The game being on you tube won't help. It would be nice to see a decent crowd down there to remember in our own way such a bloody good manager.
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It's really stupid putting this on YouTube. Hopefully they will reconsider.
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It's really stupid putting this on YouTube. Hopefully they will reconsider.
I agree. The fact that proceeds from the game are going to charity as well, it is a strange decision.
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Its a friendly. If you're put off going because it's on youtube you weren't going to go anyway.
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£15 a ticket for a friendly and live on Youtube isn't going to encourage a big turnout. The club don't seem to be pushing it much and as all the upper tiers are closed they obviously figured it was going to be a low crowd.
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Part of the issue is that Graham Taylor managed us 30 years ago. For fans of my age we remember that period quite clearly. But his significance won't resonate with literally generations of fans since who will never appreciate who he was, what he meant to us, what he meant to football in this area and to the game of football in general.
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Yeah but even a standard pre season game against decent opposition would normally get more than this no?
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It's not decent opposition though, it's Watford. no better than having Boro last season although the SGT connection may put a few more on the gate.
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Yeah but even a standard pre season game against decent opposition would normally get more than this no?
Hard to know as games haven't been live on Youtube before and we haven't been this shite for over 40 years. Don't forget we had that friendly at home against Parma a few years ago and the club swerved saying how many (or few) turned up.
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Tonight's friendly off because of waterlogged pitch
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Aston Villa’s friendly game with Arminia Bielefeld has been called off due to weather conditions.
The referee for tonight’s 6pm kick-off at Heidewaldstadion has inspected the waterlogged pitch this morning and deemed it unfit for play.
Steve Bruce’s men will now travel back to the UK to prepare for the Graham Taylor memorial game on Saturday.
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I read that as "Villa remain undefeated in Europe this year"
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Part of the issue is that Graham Taylor managed us 30 years ago. For fans of my age we remember that period quite clearly. But his significance won't resonate with literally generations of fans since who will never appreciate who he was, what he meant to us, what he meant to football in this area and to the game of football in general.
Yep, this.
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I still think we'd have sold more tickets by now if the club had publicised it a bit more.
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I was advised that they anticipate 15-18K
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That wouldn't be so bad
On the field, I don't imagine we'll be seeing 352 at the start of the season then. Only 1 more practice game now
No bad thing in my view
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I still think we'd have sold more tickets by now if the club had publicised it a bit more.
Just a thought, but couldn't the Watford game have a bit more prominence here (i.e, it's own thread in the main discussion area)? I only ask this because of whose memorial it is. As it is, it buried in a pre-season thread, out of obvious sight.
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Part of the issue is that Graham Taylor managed us 30 years ago. For fans of my age we remember that period quite clearly. But his significance won't resonate with literally generations of fans since who will never appreciate who he was, what he meant to us, what he meant to football in this area and to the game of football in general.
Yes, that's why nobody under the age of forty joined in with the "Graham Taylor's claret and blue army" chant at Wolves last season, none of our fans who weren't watching in 1982 ever sing about us winning the European Cup, and every home fan under the age of 140 walks past the William McGregor statue bemused each game.
If there's one thing Villa fans are well known for, it's not taking an interest in our history or being willing to bring it up in conversation.
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Is the game being streamed tonight?
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Is the game being streamed tonight?
It's been cancelled, pitch failed an inspection.
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Maybe the stream damaged the pitch?
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No more friendlies and the Watford game with its own thread means this one probably doesn't need to be stickied anymore.
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I still think we'd have sold more tickets by now if the club had publicised it a bit more.
I still think it will be a good turnout, especially if we parade the cup ;)
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No more friendlies and the Watford game with its own thread means this one probably doesn't need to be stickied anymore.
Under 23's at Tamworth Friday night. Going to pop down to that.
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No more friendlies and the Watford game with its own thread means this one probably doesn't need to be stickied anymore.
Under 23's at Tamworth Friday night. Going to pop down to that.
If I lived a bit closer, the Tamworth game would be of more interest to me than the Watford one
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Aston Villa is pleased to announce that fans who travelled to Germany for the game with Arminia Bielefeld can claim a free ticket for the weekend Watford match.
We face the Hornets in the Graham Taylor tribute match on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.
As a gesture from the club, fans who can provide travel documents for their German trip – either flight boarding pass or embarkment documents from a ferry crossing from July 25 onwards - can take up the offer of a free ticket.
Supporters wishing to take up this offer should present these, along with their passport, at the Villa Park ticket office before a 1pm deadline on Saturday to exchange for their complimentary ticket for the weekend game with the Hornets.
We acknowledge the expense fans will have gone to in following the team to Germany and the disappointment from the match being cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch.
Chief Executive Keith Wyness said: "We wanted to acknowledge our supporters who travelled to Germany and were planning on attending the match on Tuesday evening.
"I'm aware many were either en route or preparing to travel and we wanted to say thanks for their unstinting support of the team.”
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25th onwards? What about those already in Germany from Sunday who were staying on?
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As the 25th was yesterday I guess they mean evidence of trips home too?
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if everyone who was planned to go to the game gets a free tickets then fair play - I know it does not compensate fully for the cost of travel etc but as game was off due to weather they did not have to do anything
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That trophy "xp031 explode" is available for £15.00 online 😂
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That trophy "xp031 explode" is available for £15.00 online 😂
That's 20cm high. It's obvious it was a cheap and cheerful trophy but it cost a chunk more than the prices being mentioned by fans of us and other clubs.
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Should have least the ones staying out a blues or burton away ticket
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Should have least the ones staying out a blues or burton away ticket
What does that even mean?
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Should have least the ones staying out a blues or burton away ticket
What does that even mean?
I think he means a game where the tickets are hard to come by - so it feels more like compensation
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Should have least the ones staying out a blues or burton away ticket
What does that even mean?
Meant to say they should be offered either a small Heath away or burton away ticket at the very least
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Villa 4-0 up against Tamworth. LiveScore says that Scott Sinclair scored our 4th goal?
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He was so desperate to piss Dave Cooper off he flew down to the Midlands to play for us one last time.
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Was it cos he wuz black wiv a trendy hairstyle? Amavi, maybe.
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It was Tamworth's Nyeko Sinclair who deflected a Clarke shot past his own keeper.
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It was Tamworth's Nyeko Sinclair who deflected a Clarke shot past his own keeper.
Stupid LiveScore definitely said Scott Sinclair. I thought we may have a youngster called it (a bit like when we had 2 James Collins).