The Guardian On The Coming Season

[darren woolley]

Good article enjoyed reading it.

[Chipsticks]

Well balanced article, the only bit I disagree on is the phrase

the feelgood factor is so strong that expectations could be a little unrealistic

I think that after the last couple of years we are realistic enough to accept steady progression coupled with some more entertaining football.

I agree with the article in that expectations might be too high. One look at the 'predictions for the coming season' thread and I'm genuinely worried people are going to give Lambert a hard time because we're not evolving fast enough.

[Percy McCarthy]

Stuart James often walks up to the ground with Neil Moxley, and stops for a chat with me. That's how he knows what's going on better than most. ;-)

[Rodders]

I enjoyed reading this comment from a Nar'ch supporter:

"Lambo is a genius and will do well for Villa. He gave us (Norwich) three of the most amazing seasons instilling a brand of attacking football and a never say die attitude that was a joy to watch.

He also gets the best out of players and has them playing above their level on a weekly basis, this is allied to a very high percentage hit rate in the transfer market. Only two duds in all his signings for us, and one of those (Vaughan) may come good if he can stay injury free.

He'll have Villa firing on all cylinders and given time right up there (top . He will one day go on to manage in the Champions League, I just don't think with the way football finances are currently it will be with Villa, but who knows?

Him, Culverhouse & Karsa are a great coaching team. Good luck Paul and thanks for the memories.

Just don't expect him to give too much away in post match interviews."

[pauliewalnuts]

Stuart James often walks up to the ground with Neil Moxley, and stops for a chat with me. That's how he knows what's going on better than most. ;-)

I went to school with Neil Moxley. He was in the year below us, but he'd sometimes come and stand on the Holte with us, despite being a nose.

[Witton Warrior]

"...............expectations could be a little unrealistic"

Sums up the majority of our supporters any season (bar the last one, of course )

Is a decent style of football "unrealistic"? That's what most of us seem to want.

[Concrete John]

Good article and nothing really to argue with.

As I see it myself we're going to do better than last year, but how much depends on two or more of Ireland, N'Zogbia, Albrighton or Holman having a really good season.  We'll tighten up defensively and Bent will score, but that gets you mid table and that extra creativity in midfield is where you jump that few extra places to be in of around the European places.

[Astral Weeks]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/video/2012/aug/06/aston-villa-premier-league-preview-video?newsfeed=true

This is pretty spot on too

Good video, that. She knows what she's talking about.

[lordmcgrath5]

Very good article that, little I can disagree with here.

[Californian Villain]

Good article and nothing really to argue with.

As I see it myself we're going to do better than last year, but how much depends on two or more of Ireland, N'Zogbia, Albrighton or Holman having a really good season.  We'll tighten up defensively and Bent will score, but that gets you mid table and that extra creativity in midfield is where you jump that few extra places to be in of around the European places.

Think our problem area is going to be central midfield. Again.

[Concrete John]

Good article and nothing really to argue with.

As I see it myself we're going to do better than last year, but how much depends on two or more of Ireland, N'Zogbia, Albrighton or Holman having a really good season.  We'll tighten up defensively and Bent will score, but that gets you mid table and that extra creativity in midfield is where you jump that few extra places to be in of around the European places.

Think our problem area is going to be central midfield. Again.

I'd say we've improved in that area already by signing KEA and the narrow midfield we seem to be playing will also help tactically.

[ez]

Gabby - 8 goals in 62 games!

[Matt Collins]

I agree that central midfield is the risk area. Remember Petrov played most of last year and I doubt he'll play this season.

We could well improve - KEA looks very good, Bannan looks good in pre-season, Delph and Gardner should be better this season. But there's still not a single one of them who's ever really done it in the premier league. That has to be a massive risk. At least elsewhere in the side, we know what the likes of Given, Dunne, Bent, Gabby, Ireland, CNZ, Albrighton can do.

[hilts_coolerking]

Anyone know Brad Woodhouse?  He's done the fans predictions for the new season for Villa in the current When Saturday Comes.  Sounds like a made up name to me.

[dave.woodhall]

Anyone know Brad Woodhouse?  He's done the fans predictions for the new season for Villa in the current When Saturday Comes.  Sounds like a made up name to me.

He's been their Villa Man for years. They've never asked me to do anything; even that effete fop Green gets the chance.