Pre-season Friendlies Match Thread

[glasses]

Evening all. Were my ears deceiving me there, or were our fans singing a song about a murderer in a pre season friendly?

[pauliewalnuts]

"There was talk of them losing Ashley Young, too, with Tottenham interested"

How fucking annoying is that?

Tottenham don't have mind melting sums of money to offer either us, or the player, you bozo.

[PaulWinch again]

Stan is sweating buckets

[Arsey]

I wonder how close this will be to the side to face Spam?

[Matt Collins]

I think we should keep NRC for a year at least - we won't get much for him in the last yr of his contract and we need cover until Delph returns at least. I see Delph as potentially offering all that NRC offers, but with much better technique. Not sure when he'll be 'ready' though

[TheEgo]

I know it doesn't seem too likely at this stage, but I do hope we keep hold of NRC. He really could be such a valuable player for us as a defensive midfielder in a central three.

Good stuff from Albrighton and Clark so far, impressive.

I agree, NRC is a great defensive midfielder, shit with his distribution, but one of the best at breaking up play (our makelele)

[Toronto Villa]

Watching Albrighton gives me great hope.

Give it 18 months and he'll be off to Man City for 15 million ;-)

He's already a much better crosser than Milner, and if he fills out a bit he could really pose a goal threat coming inside. If Milner is 27 mil, then Albrighton will be worth at least 35 mil - no?

[RogerS]

How do, folks.

Hope everyone has come through the close season unscathed?

OK, come on you Villa boys. Cheer me up... ;)

How's it going Rog? Hope everything's good on the West Coast

How do, TV.

Yep, hanging in there. Summer didn't really arrive yet (more like early Spring really) but at least it's dry. Hope life's being good to you?

[pauliewalnuts]

I think we should keep NRC for a year at least - we won't get much for him in the last yr of his contract and we need cover until Delph returns at least. I see Delph as potentially offering all that NRC offers, but with much better technique. Not sure when he'll be 'ready' though

I think NRC is a very limited footballer, but I do think you are right there.

Sometimes you need to bring on (or start with) a niggling, awkward fecker in the middle.

NRC gives us that option (as, I suspect, could Delph when fit).

[TheEgo]

Watching Albrighton gives me great hope.

Give it 18 months and he'll be off to Man City for 15 million ;-)

He's already a much better crosser than Milner, and if he fills out a bit he could really pose a goal threat coming inside. If Milner is 27 mil, then Albrighton will be worth at least 35 mil - no?

I hope so, then again, I hope he is THAT good, we never sell and he doesn't want to leave. He is definately going to make it though. Hope MON starts him against West Ham

[Matt Collins]

I think Martin is trying to change our style into more of a passing game. The problem is, when we're at home, we tend to pass it too slowly. I think this is partly about coaching and partly because of the lack of inventive types in central areas. An Ireland type signing, and / or Young playing more centrally, could be a really significant move. I am a bit concerned that webcam needs to be less lightweight to play that role though.

[KevinGage]

Downing looking sharp.

[citizenDJ]

I think we should keep NRC for a year at least - we won't get much for him in the last yr of his contract and we need cover until Delph returns at least. I see Delph as potentially offering all that NRC offers, but with much better technique. Not sure when he'll be 'ready' though

I think NRC is a very limited footballer, but I do think you are right there.

Sometimes you need to bring on (or start with) a niggling, awkward fecker in the middle.

NRC gives us that option (as, I suspect, could Delph when fit).

Yep, that's exactly what I mean; he's not the best passer (although not as bad as some make out, I think) but in that 'ball-winning' role, he doesn't really have to be. I think that you're right about Delph, too.

[glasses]

I really do like that little shift and quick cross that Albrighton does. I hope he continues to improve.

[TheEgo]

We should be playing, nevermind keeping Luke Young, Good solid player