Barclays Asia Trophy (27th-30th July 2011)

[Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air]

from what I saw, it looked like we completely bossed the game.

I couldnt see much difference between Blackburn and Walsall.

[Karl Bridges]

Good stuff, thanks for getting me through to lunch at work. Looking foward to watching it when I get back. Will be working overtime on Saturday so i'll need to rely on you guys again.

[john e]

Macoun, Delph, Bannan, Clarke, Petrov, Hogg, I can't remember the last time we had so many good central midfielders all challenging for a position, looking really good in that department

[Irreverent ad]

Macoun, Delph, Bannan, Clarke, Petrov, Hogg, I can't remember the last time we had so many good central midfielders all challenging for a position, looking really good in that department

Ireland too.

[Toronto Villa]

Lots to be encouraged about. While the players had energy, especially in the first 35 minutes or so, we knocked it around beautifully at times. The defence was really solid and it was the best we've dealt with crosses in a good while. Especially against a bully team like Blackburn can be. Warnock looked possessed at times with the way he throws himself into challenges, and Richard Dunne looks a bit like the bloke from 2 years ago when he was very good indeed. I get the impression Shay Given will be very good for him and Stephen Ireland. James Collins and Luke Young also looked very assured. It's like they've got a new lease on football life so certainly cause for a bit of optimism there.

Again, we shoudln't get too carried away and there's a ton of work yet to do. But when you factor in Ireland, N'Zogbia and hopefully one or two more, plus the kids maturing, it's not a bad starting point.

Well done AM.

[dave.woodhall]

I hope this pre-season might mean Randy looks at the set-up and thinks "We're closer to cracking it than I thought - here's the money for a couple more players."

[Michel Sibble]

Give AM a decent squad, he'll give you a solid defence and lovely attacking football in return.

[Mazrim]

Macoun, Delph, Bannan, Clarke, Petrov, Hogg, I can't remember the last time we had so many good central midfielders all challenging for a position, looking really good in that department

Ireland too.

And Gardner and Herd.... and Johnson.

[eastie]

I hope this pre-season might mean Randy looks at the set-up and thinks "We're closer to cracking it than I thought - here's the money for a couple more players."

agreed, imagine the lift a player like parker would provide , quality player and a very good leader too.

[Toronto Villa]

Collins awarded bottle of bubbly. Is that really appropriate?

I suppose it all depends if he's going to drink it, or drink it and then throw someone across a table

All in the past now

Kidding aside he looked very assurred today, and also back to making some of those superb 40yd cross field passes. It was interesting to hear during the broadcast that last night after the practice had ended, AM kept the back four and keeper on the pitch practicing defending crosses and set pieces.

[pedro25]

Missed the goal, any links?

[Toronto Villa]

Macoun, Delph, Bannan, Clarke, Petrov, Hogg, I can't remember the last time we had so many good central midfielders all challenging for a position, looking really good in that department

Ireland too.

And Gardner and Herd.... and Johnson.

Is Burke a forward Maz or an attacking midfielder? Against Walsall he seemed to come quite deep to pick up the ball.

[WALTERS WARRIORS]

Defence showed great commitment. Makoun top playmaker. Albrighton has got a long way to go. Concentration and passing poor. Gabby needs a trick or two. great work out and i am going to give my first "well done" to Mr Mcleish ........

[eastie]

i wonder whether that guy who said he would burn his villa shirt if eck took over is now beginning to change his opinion, early days but so far ive been impressed with how he has got a positive response from the players and the 2 signings hes made once charlie signs.

[darren woolley]

Good win defence looked good and strong impressed with Bannan and Collins played well Bent took his goal well really pleased keep up the good work lads.