Quote from: eastie on February 11, 2011, 04:40:49 PMHave to agree friedal has had more than one bad game but he is still more reliable than some keepers , I would certainly be looking to replace him in the summer though.That's about the size of it. He should have done better v Fulham but I struggle to recall any total howlers from Friedel; he won't be our No.1 next season. I'd see if we can get him in a coaching capacity but also register him as a player so he can act as emergency goalkeeper if we're in a tight spot.But there's a world of difference between Friedel and Richard Kingston, such a massive difference in class I can't even sum it up.
Have to agree friedal has had more than one bad game but he is still more reliable than some keepers , I would certainly be looking to replace him in the summer though.
Quote from: Merv on February 11, 2011, 04:45:50 PMQuote from: eastie on February 11, 2011, 04:40:49 PMHave to agree friedal has had more than one bad game but he is still more reliable than some keepers , I would certainly be looking to replace him in the summer though.That's about the size of it. He should have done better v Fulham but I struggle to recall any total howlers from Friedel; he won't be our No.1 next season. I'd see if we can get him in a coaching capacity but also register him as a player so he can act as emergency goalkeeper if we're in a tight spot.But there's a world of difference between Friedel and Richard Kingston, such a massive difference in class I can't even sum it up.I agree with that but why does a keeper have to make a "howler" in order to make a mistake? As proper football fans I'd hope that we can see more than the blatantly obvious and if people can't see that he has had way more than one bad game then they are not watching. As another poster said, our defending of corners has been awful this season and we have conceded more goals from set pieces than ANY other team in the league. His movement off the line is suspect, he seems to rush out even when he has no chance of getting there before the striker. The keeper simply must carry the can for that.
This led to a final count down the following week at home to Sunderland. We won 2.0 in front of 57,000,but as they say "that is another story"
In 1975 we played Blackpool at their tip on [o.k 3 days later] my 19th birthday.It also coincided with our promotion run in and Easter.To celebrate the ocasion I did what at the time was a regular thing , that was to organise two coaches to the game.I had two coaches arrive outside the back of New Street station,next to the Mulberry Bush.My sales pitch was to go onto the station and offer a ticket cheaper than the football special along with the added attraction of being able to stay late and drink in Blackpool.It was a very attractive offer and the coaches were packed. We had the obligatory stop at Tescos first so that we could stock up on whatever the special was for the day.Off we went.As an aside this used to be a very profitable venture. As an apprentice earning +/- 25 pounds a week I could make about 50p a seat. 2 coaches @ 52 seats per coach X 50p = 52pounds profit.To put that into perspective, a pint was about 50p.We were in Blackpool in time for quite a few pints before the game.My Villa record book says that the attendance was 20,762. there had to be 10,000 Villa fans there that day.To be sure of promotion we had to win and Sunderland had to lose.We did our bit and won 3.0 Early news was that Sunderland had lost. This lead to celebrations and Congas all around the ground and onto the pitch.The news was wrong and I think that Sunderland drew. This led to a final count down the following week at home to Sunderland. We won 2.0 in front of 57,000,but as they say "that is another story"Back to Blackpool 1975, what a night. Ten thousand Villa fans celebrating what we were assured was promotion.Fnaly,homeward bound.The coach dropped us off outside New Street in the early hours.My abiding memory is, that despite making two weeks earnings as a profit I did not have enough money for the night service fare on the 14 bus to get home.I hope that tomorrow we get a similar result and that all those going have a great day out.Meanwhile I shall be enjoying some great memories while following the match thread.For interest the coach company was Sealandair , I know Bernie was on the coach, but any other old steamers lurking out there,post a note.It could be you that I owe the bus fare to !
Just found this pic of the game. The Holte doesnt look that full compared to other games in the 70's 80's but 57,000 must have meant it was packed? Is that record for the 2nd Division?http://www.flickr.com/photos/44242040@N08/4058755455/