Pre-season Friendlies Match Thread

[Irish villain]

The crossbar challenge at half time was funny!

[Clampy]

The crossbar challenge at half time was funny!

I don't remember that. Bloody hell, i must have drunk more than i thought.

[eamonn]

I know we had a discussion about him the other day, but I really like him too. My only concern is that he really did look like a little boy lost when he came on a couple of times last season. Now nerves is not unusual in a young player and hopefully he will get over it but sometimes ability on its own isn't enough if the player hasn't got the mental strength to go with it. I'm thinking of players like Stephen Cooke and Peter Wittingham here.

It's very easy to be intimated and fail to impress when you're brought on for 15 minutes to try and change the game when we're losing/drawing (like in Albrighton's league appearances against Wigan, Liverpool and Wolves).

Give the kid a few starts, particularly in Europe and the Rumbelows Cup and see how he fares.

[gervilla]

I thought Wee Barry had a good game when he came on yesterday . Albrighton did well . At least some of the kids were up for it. We really have nothing going on in central midfield with Judas James heading for Manchester. I think its safe to say Osborne is not the answer.

[fredm]

Still think we are woefully lacking in tactics.  Our movement off the ball was poor again yesterday and how many corners did we have?  And how many times did we achieve anything?

We must have had a bucketful, (I lost count) but we never won one in the air as far as I can remember.

Those who have said Albrighton had a good game I will have to disagree with.  Yes, his cross for the goal was top class but I thought his first touch and control let him down on several occasions.  (and I have great hopes for him after seeing him last pre-season and the couple of matches he played)

To me Ashley was the only player to come out with credit, I appreciate it was a pre-season friendly but I don't expect to see experienced internationals given the run around by part-timers, no matter what standard of fitness the internationals are at.

Oh, and one last thing - if the answer is Isiah Osborne - Gawd help us with the bleeding question!!!

[steffo]

Back from the game after going by train / ferry and stopping with friends in Dublin who are 'high' up in Bohs. Had seats two rows in front of Randy Lerner.

My young son who was with me thought he was royalty. Fair play to Mr Lerner signed whatever and having his photo taken was never a problem.

Bohs supporters were staggered with our support. They were delighted of course with the income.

Thought Albrighton was the pick. Don't read too much into this game - yes they played the night before and lost in the Champs League to TNS, but one week later and sharper...

It was great to see so many different Villa shirts from over the years. I'm sure anyone who went from the UK had a good time and Irish Villians flew the flag for us over there.

A great weekend.

[mozza]

Less said about the match the better -

Great trip - Irish Villains & Bohs made us welcome

Murrays Bar was rocking pre-match and the walk up to the ground reminded me of 60's & 70's when Villa used to mainly travel by train

Pity the players didn't read the script and put on a decent show for the Irish support that was there in large numbers

[Irish villain]

The crossbar challenge at half time was funny!

I don't remember that. Bloody hell, i must have drunk more than i thought.

You don't remember the dude with long hair taking a run skip and jump before taking his kick? The whole ground erupted in laughter!

I am thrilled that those who travelled from Britain had a great time. Hats off to the chair of the Irish Lions for organising such a wonderful weekend for everybody. Murray's was indeed packed.

[Clampy]

The crossbar challenge at half time was funny!

I don't remember that. Bloody hell, i must have drunk more than i thought.

You don't remember the dude with long hair taking a run skip and jump before taking his kick? The whole ground erupted in laughter!

I am thrilled that those who travelled from Britain had a great time. Hats off to the chair of the Irish Lions for organising such a wonderful weekend for everybody. Murray's was indeed packed.

I vaguely remember some sort of half time entertainment on the pitch.

Yeah, it was a great day. The Irish fans we spoke to in Murray's were good lads and very welcoming. Yeah, it was superbly organised, the pub was rocking before the game and the sing song outside before the walk up was really good.

Same again next year hopefully.

[Monty]

So what do we think the team against Feyenoord on Saturday will be? I suppose it all depends on whether Milner goes, and if Ireland comes the other way.

[Goldie.7]

v Feyenoord Sat July 31st 9:15pm Sport TV1 (Streams)

v Benfica Sun Aug 1st 9:15pm Sport TV1

v Valencia Fri Aug 6th 7:45pm ITV 4

[wozwebs]

Just saw that the Valencia game is on ITV4, bonus that.

Wonder how that will affect the attendance?

No wonder Villa haven't mentioned the fact

[PaulTheVillan]

Nice. I'll watch it on the TV then. ;)

[SoccerHQ]

Me too.

Any idea what sort of team we'll put out at Walsall tommorrow?

Maybe likes of Guzan and Warnock now they're back will get a run out?

[PaulTheVillan]

I was thinking of going to Walsall tomorrow night.

Anyone know the price?