Watch this and get happy. (Miserable gits need not apply).

[sonlyme]

So Ash and Stewie have gone.  No more will we get to see a half hearted tackle or a mazy jinking run leading nowhere in particular.  No more the swan dive, the flailing pirouette, the triple salco.  No more the simple pass ignored, the easy cross ballooned high or wide.  No more the whining and pleading look towards the referee.  Alas poor Villa.

So against my better judgement I went and did some you tube digging (which is how Steve Bruce signs players apparently).

So before I get bombarded with the inevitable 'everyone looks good on youtube'  or some 'we're all doomed - DOOMED I tell you' nonsense - save your breath and move along.  There's plenty more in the world to moan about.

For everyone else - and anyone who fancies a fantasy moment on how the season could pan out - I proudly present.

The dazzling talent that is Charles N'Zogbia - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wt-fLH_MbjY

A fully fit and committed Stephen Ireland - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmOKva_tBKQ&feature=related

And finally - that snip from out tightwad owners purse - young Dazza http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UR17z-eVNPM&feature=related

Roll on, roll on.

UTV

[VillaAlways]

Both links are Charlie.Great footage though

[JJ-AV]

I'm still wary about it all (because of the manager), but with the current set up we've technically fine players. Ireland, N'Zogbia and Makoun are great technical players, Bent has fantastic movement - so fingers crossed that'll aid the awful home form of the last few years.

Gabby, N'Zog and Bent are also perfect for the counter, which I think will suit us, especially away from home. McLeish played a deep line alot with SHA (which will suit Dunne, Collins and Stan).

If McLeish is a little more adventurous at Villa Park than he ever was with SHA I think we might be on to a decent thing.

a 4-2-3-1 with Ireland and N'Zogbia in tandem, Gabby exploiting the space on either wing and Bent on the shoulder should work. Then we've the exciting kids waiting in the wings to fill in the gaps. I'm very optimistic about the new season.


I think we need some more depth and a real top quality centre mid (which with the Adam and Parker interest would suggest we are after one) before we're in danger of really upsetting the top 6, but I think we're in for a decent season as it stands. And if this year goes OK and gets Ireland, N'Zogbia, Gabby and the kids up to scratch for the following year, and we can add to the defence dependant on their form I think the next couple of years start to look bright again.

Just hope the manager is capable.

[sonlyme]

Doh!  Link fixed VillaAlways.  Ta.

JJ - any man who can lift the likes of SHA to major Wembley glory must have something about him. In the history of the world no one else ever managed it.

[olaftab]

Ash who?  and as far as that  twat Downing is concerned he doesn't exist  in my mind and hey we have £10M profit  in our pocket

[Toronto Villa]

N'Zogbia doesn't half hit a mean free kick. We need that.

[not3bad]

Great post!!!!!111

[Risso]

Gave me goosebumps!!!!!11111

[willywombat]

Top post mate, made me happy!

[Villa'Zawg]

I got chills, they're multiplyin'111111

[German James]

Great post!!!!!11111

I raise my half-full glass! UTV!

[KRS]

Exciting stuff. Really looking forward to having a couple of players on the pitch who can actually strike a ball cleanly with power...then we've got Bent to slot home any rebounds. A couple of goals from Ireland and N'Zogbia in the first couple of games will be a great start to the season, and fill them with confidence.

[Mazrim]

More of this sort of thing.

[PeterWithesShin]

Inspirational!!!!1111111111

[paulcomben]

Great post. It means that Villa probably would not get relegated and might get 6th. Maybe a cup run.

Yipee kay ay.

No real chance of silverware. No chance of regular quality matches. No point doing more than watching on TV.