Quote from: dave.woodhall on December 21, 2020, 11:06:13 PM

Quote from: manic-road on December 21, 2020, 05:11:49 PM

Really happy with the way Dean Smith and the coaches have improved the team, every Villa player that I can think of has improved since he has been at the club, and we are now witnessing very good performances that two years ago were unthinkable.

That's something else that struck me today - there's not a player in the squad who isn't better now than they were last season.

Mainly due to limited playing time, but I don't think you can argue that Nakamba, Davis or Guilbert have improved.

and Wes hasnt been pulling up trees either.

Quote from: Risso on December 21, 2020, 11:57:18 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on December 21, 2020, 11:06:13 PM

Quote from: manic-road on December 21, 2020, 05:11:49 PM

Really happy with the way Dean Smith and the coaches have improved the team, every Villa player that I can think of has improved since he has been at the club, and we are now witnessing very good performances that two years ago were unthinkable.

That's something else that struck me today - there's not a player in the squad who isn't better now than they were last season.

Mainly due to limited playing time, but I don't think you can argue that Nakamba, Davis or Guilbert have improved.

and Wes hasnt been pulling up trees either.

Bit unfair on Wes. He only had a few months in a team finding it's feet in this league. If I remember right we was not convinced by Dougie early on either.

What we have seen with all the players though is minutes on the pitch do really count. The problem with Davis (ignoring the fact he can't hit a barn door) is always bloody injured.

There must be something we have all missed with Freddie or maybe if Cash hadn't become available we'd have seen more of him this season. I thought Nakamba did well the other night, but he's nowhere near the standard of Dougie, which is not a criticism.

Look how Smith has moved forward and used Lockdown and project restart to greatness and look at Chris Wilder and Sheff U since that period.

Both English managers who have gone complete different directions
Smith is the upward curve manager
A progressive coach who I back 100%

I would put him ahead of Lampard as now the best English club coach.

Up the Villa

That has to be the biggest credit to Smith and his coaches, the improvement of the players. Matt Taggart has been superb all season and looking like the price tag he came with. I thought he did get unjustified stick at times last season as he was also one of our best attacking outlets alongside Jack at times. However his all round game is just so much better now. He seems much tougher and braver too and he’s winning high balls quite often.
Just image on this basis how good Cash and Dougie will be next season!

Why would Dougie need another season to prove how good he is?
And what about Traore and Watkins? - are they not going to get the 2nd season bounce that we've seen this season with Trez and Targett?

And Heaton hasn't made a single save.

But still not conceded a single goal this season.

A clip from Villa's dementia cafe with Dean as special guest. Brilliant scheme and Deano is an absolutely top bloke.
https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1341353794156646400

A clip from Villa's dementia cafe with Dean as special guest. Brilliant scheme and Deano is an absolutely top bloke.
https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1341353794156646400

It is indeed a brilliant scheme and the guy (Martin)  doing all the talking with Dean in that clip is my elder brother !
Nice one Dean for taking time out to talk to the guys - it was very much appreciated