Ashley Westwood

[peter w]

One of the biggest reasons for Barcelona and Spian's success is how hard they work to get the ball when they lose it or don't have it. It puts pressure onto the opposition. And as much as you do need a bit more width I remember starting a thread on here a good few years ago about our system under MON and that it was becoming outdated - using wingers. The best teams pass pass and pass again and usually through the middle. the full-backs supply the width and the game becomes condensed so if you lose it the ball is usually where you will have a lot of your players making the job of getting it back that much easier.

There is a long way to go but you can see lambert's thinking. if it works we'll be looking back at this starting point and seeing players that were useful now being replaced by the next level of player higher up the chain being brought in to keep us improving. Maybe then we can stop harking back to players like Reo-Coker.

[pauliewalnuts]

Its been easy for many people (the press mainly) to try and compare Lambert to MON, but from this transfer window it shows there is far more to him.

It's just lazy journalism.  If anything, he's the Anti-MON.

There are some obvious ways he's totally unlike MON. For example, Lambert is known for changing his line up and formation from match to match depending on how the opposition play. MON had a system (and a line up too, most times) which never changed. I can't ever remember us changing our tactics during a match to counter the way the opposition were playing, and we started most matches with the same team / formation too.

MON will go for the obvious, UK based transfer, usually players who have played in the PL, whereas Lambert has shown he sees the importance of looking wider (lower leagues, Europe) for quality.

I'm sure there are more areas of contrast, but that doesn't mean he hasn't taken a lot from MON in shaping himself as a manager. There are lots of aspects of management that happen behind the scene, that we never get to see.

The way he talks to / motivates players in training, the way he is with academy products, the way he seeks feedback from players in training etc etc. There can still be plenty of ways in which he's taken inspiration from, and therefore is similar to, O'Neill.

[Brend'Watkins]

One of the biggest reasons for Barcelona and Spian's success is how hard they work to get the ball when they lose it or don't have it. It puts pressure onto the opposition. And as much as you do need a bit more width I remember starting a thread on here a good few years ago about our system under MON and that it was becoming outdated - using wingers. The best teams pass pass and pass again and usually through the middle. the full-backs supply the width and the game becomes condensed so if you lose it the ball is usually where you will have a lot of your players making the job of getting it back that much easier.

There was one moment in the game on Sunday, maybe for about 30 seconds where we played like Barcelona.  2nd half about half way through where we had the ball by the touchline in their half.  We had Hollman, Lowton and I think Bannan all making short quick passes in close proximity keeping the ball away from the opposition who were imposing themselves.  It worked well until Hollman knocked it out of play but for me it was the defining moment that...we might have something this season.

[DeeBoy1]

One of the biggest reasons for Barcelona and Spian's success is how hard they work to get the ball when they lose it or don't have it. It puts pressure onto the opposition. And as much as you do need a bit more width I remember starting a thread on here a good few years ago about our system under MON and that it was becoming outdated - using wingers. The best teams pass pass and pass again and usually through the middle. the full-backs supply the width and the game becomes condensed so if you lose it the ball is usually where you will have a lot of your players making the job of getting it back that much easier.

There was one moment in the game on Sunday, maybe for about 30 seconds where we played like Barcelona.  2nd half about half way through where we had the ball by the touchline in their half.  We had Hollman, Lowton and I think Bannan all making short quick passes in close proximity keeping the ball away from the opposition who were imposing themselves.  It worked well until Hollman knocked it out of play but for me it was the defining moment that...we might have something this season.

I remember that as I thought exactly the same thing

[pauliewalnuts]

One of the biggest reasons for Barcelona and Spian's success is how hard they work to get the ball when they lose it or don't have it. It puts pressure onto the opposition. And as much as you do need a bit more width I remember starting a thread on here a good few years ago about our system under MON and that it was becoming outdated - using wingers. The best teams pass pass and pass again and usually through the middle. the full-backs supply the width and the game becomes condensed so if you lose it the ball is usually where you will have a lot of your players making the job of getting it back that much easier.

There was one moment in the game on Sunday, maybe for about 30 seconds where we played like Barcelona.  2nd half about half way through where we had the ball by the touchline in their half.  We had Hollman, Lowton and I think Bannan all making short quick passes in close proximity keeping the ball away from the opposition who were imposing themselves.  It worked well until Hollman knocked it out of play but for me it was the defining moment that...we might have something this season.

I remember that as I thought exactly the same thing

I think that was the bit they highlighted on MOTD2 on Sunday night, Dion Dublin was saying that we were clever doing that, as we forced Newcastle to play how we wanted them to.

[PaulTheVillan]

It was that moment, it was almost like watching someone else.

[PaulWinch again]

The chance that was created for Weimann, with lots of short passing around the edge of the area was hugely impressive.

[peter w]

And quick passes to feet and movement around the box is very very difficult to defend against. It takes very high fitness levels though as you are constantly moving. get it right we could be very enjoyable to watch over the next few seasons. however, I think it'll be very up and down thios season. I worry though (as a typical Villa fan) that the last time I felt this optimistic the next team we played were Swansea at home...

[not3bad]

Profile of Ashley Westwood in the Evening Mail:

Aston Villa: Crewe journalist gives lowdown on Ashley Westwood and tips him for big things

Sounds very promising.  I liked the part about him going back to Gresty Road to watch his old team play Coventry last Saturday.

[sonlyme]

Just further evidence of our scraping the barrel. This club is going to the dogs.

Only joking. Hope he's excellent. Up the Villa!

For one terrible moment there I thought I had clicked on the wrong Villa forum ....

Welcome Ashley - and give my regards to your Nan - Vivienne.

[Clark W Griswold]

Got a gut feeling that this will be a big success. Not saying he'll be quite a Barry or Milner but i think he'll be a good solid player for us and a good pro, and a great value buy.

[Risso]

I have to say this is the new signing I'm most looking forward to seeing in action.

[Pete3206]

One of the biggest reasons for Barcelona and Spian's success is how hard they work to get the ball when they lose it or don't have it. It puts pressure onto the opposition. And as much as you do need a bit more width I remember starting a thread on here a good few years ago about our system under MON and that it was becoming outdated - using wingers. The best teams pass pass and pass again and usually through the middle. the full-backs supply the width and the game becomes condensed so if you lose it the ball is usually where you will have a lot of your players making the job of getting it back that much easier.

There was one moment in the game on Sunday, maybe for about 30 seconds where we played like Barcelona.  2nd half about half way through where we had the ball by the touchline in their half.  We had Hollman, Lowton and I think Bannan all making short quick passes in close proximity keeping the ball away from the opposition who were imposing themselves.  It worked well until Hollman knocked it out of play but for me it was the defining moment that...we might have something this season.

I remember that as I thought exactly the same thing

It reminded me of the way Norwich played, when we were at Carrow Road on the last day.

[tomd2103]

I have to say this is the new signing I'm most looking forward to seeing in action.

Got a sneaky feeling you won't have to wait too long Rissbert, as I think he might start on Saturday.

[paul_e]

I have to say this is the new signing I'm most looking forward to seeing in action.

Got a sneaky feeling you won't have to wait too long Rissbert, as I think he might start on Saturday.

I really want to see a 4321 of:

Guzan
Lowton - Vlaar - Clark - Bennett
KEA - Westwood - Bannan
Holman - Ireland
Bent

I think that's our best side currently, with Benteke and Gabby available to change the game if we need a bit more up top and Lichaj, Baker, Delph and Herd to give us more in the defensive roles (and obviously Given on the bench as well).  Seems a bit surreal that, in picking the matchday 18 I can't find a spot for Nzogbia in my first choice (and it's really harsh to leave Weimann out).