View From the Opposition - WBA fan

[Liam_Baggies]

Hi, folks.

Again, if you could complete the questionnaire beneath it would be much appreciated - the finished article will then be provided in this topic early next week.

1. The game at the Hawthorns finished 2-2. What was your assessment of the game?

2. WBA recently sacked Steve Clarke and appointed Pepe Mel. What were your thoughts on Clarke's sacking and the appointment of Pepe Mel?

3. Paul Lambert has been receiving some criticism from supporters. Is he still the right man for AVFC?

4. Villa have signed Grant Holt and Ryan Bertrand. What are your opinions on these additions?

5. Are there any other positions which need strengthening during January?

6. Anelka has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons. What have you made of the situation? Does he warrant a suspension and for how long?

7. If you were to form a side using Albion/Villa players - what would the side be?

8. Which side shall win the league & which three sides shall be relegated?

9. What side is Paul Lambert likely to choose for our encounter?

10. And finally, score predictions.

Thank you.

[SheffieldVillain]

1. The game at the Hawthorns finished 2-2. What was your assessment of the game?
We lulled you into a false sense of security with our second team and showed our superiority when the real players came on.

2. WBA recently sacked Steve Clarke and appointed Pepe Mel. What were your thoughts on Clarke's sacking and the appointment of Pepe Mel?
Harsh. Who?

3. Paul Lambert has been receiving some criticism from supporters. Is he still the right man for AVFC?
Yes, but needs a good second half of the season in terms of playing style.

4. Villa have signed Grant Holt and Ryan Bertrand. What are your opinions on these additions?
Holt - adequate cover. Bertrand - good signing in a position which really needed it. Hope we can keep him next season.

5. Are there any other positions which need strengthening during January?
Attacking midfield.

6. Anelka has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons. What have you made of the situation? Does he warrant a suspension and for how long?
Yes. Even if he was just sticking up for a friend, the friend was a comedian accused of anti-semitism. He was a prat for doing it. 5 games minimum.

7. If you were to form a side using Albion/Villa players - what would the side be?
Guzan, Lowton, Bertrand, Vlaar, Okore/Clark, Westwood, Delph, Bacuna, Benteke, Gabby, Albrighton. Berahino and Foster can be subs if they behave.

8. Which side shall win the league & which three sides shall be relegated?
Chelsea. Palace, Cardiff, West Ham.

9. What side is Paul Lambert likely to choose for our encounter?
See 7. Clark obviously rather than Okore. Probably Weimann instead of Albrighton.

10. And finally, score predictions.
4-0 Villa.

[Richard]

1. The game at the Hawthorns finished 2-2. What was your assessment of the game? The first 20 mins or so reflected the confidence of the 2 teams going into the game, but I thought after that we got to grips and in the second half should have pushed on to win as you were there for the taking !

2. WBA recently sacked Steve Clarke and appointed Pepe Mel. What were your thoughts on Clarke's sacking and the appointment of Pepe Mel? Harsh, no idea as not heard of him

3. Paul Lambert has been receiving some criticism from supporters. Is he still the right man for AVFC? I hope so but needs to learn quicker from mistakes and be less stubborn

4. Villa have signed Grant Holt and Ryan Bertrand. What are your opinions on these additions? Holt indifferent though will bring some experience, Bertrand delighted !

5. Are there any other positions which need strengthening during January? Centre half and midfield

6. Anelka has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons. What have you made of the situation? Does he warrant a suspension and for how long? Yes a definite suspension sorry but maybe not for 5 games

7. If you were to form a side using Albion/Villa players - what would the side be? I'd only have one of your centre mids, Mulumbu or other guy (sorry forgot his name), the rest would be Villa

8. Which side shall win the league & which three sides shall be relegated? Man City, Sunderland, Norwich, Fulham (but tbh it could be any of another 3 or 4 including WBA

9. What side is Paul Lambert likely to choose for our encounter? As per the Liverpool game unless Gabby is out in which case I hope Lowton plays right back and Bacuna plays behind Benteke and Weimann

10. And finally, score predictions. We should win 3-1 but hey this is normally a draw so 2 2 again

[frank black]

1. The game at the Hawthorns finished 2-2. What was your assessment of the game?

Game of two halves.

2. WBA recently sacked Steve Clarke and appointed Pepe Mel. What were your thoughts on Clarke's sacking and the appointment of Pepe Mel?

Harsh but fine as you had a better one lined up..........?.?.? Eh?

3. Paul Lambert has been receiving some criticism from supporters. Is he still the right man for AVFC?

Jury is still out for me.

4. Villa have signed Grant Holt and Ryan Bertrand. What are your opinions on these additions?

Holt, good emergency cover. Bertrand is a good player.

5. Are there any other positions which need strengthening during January?

Midfield

6. Anelka has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons. What have you made of the situation? Does he warrant a suspension and for how long?

Plonker and yes for a few games.

7. If you were to form a side using Albion/Villa players - what would the side be?

I'd have Shane long on the bench........whoops he's gone ;-)

8. Which side shall win the league & which three sides shall be relegated?

Man city
Sunderland, Cardiff and Palace.

9. What side is Paul Lambert likely to choose for our encounter?

The usual names.

10. And finally, score predictions.

1 - 1

[Louzie0]

Hi, folks.

Again, if you could complete the questionnaire beneath it would be much appreciated - the finished article will then be provided in this topic early next week.

1. The game at the Hawthorns finished 2-2. What was your assessment of the game?
we wuz robbed

2. WBA recently sacked Steve Clarke and appointed Pepe Mel. What were your thoughts on Clarke's sacking and the appointment of Pepe Mel?
his novels are on my bedside table

3. Paul Lambert has been receiving some criticism from supporters. Is he still the right man for AVFC?
Absolutely

4. Villa have signed Grant Holt and Ryan Bertrand. What are your opinions on these additions?
Bertrand was brilliant in a Villa shirt and Holt, who arrived later, will be brilliant in a Villa shirt.

5. Are there any other positions which need strengthening during January?
Absolutely

6. Anelka has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons. What have you made of the situation? Does he warrant a suspension and for how long?
Yes; and 100 years

7. If you were to form a side using Albion/Villa players - what would the side be?
All Villa  - except for Ridgewell.  I really like him, sorry he left.

8. Which side shall win the league & which three sides shall be relegated?
Man City - relegated
Not really, MC for the title

And Cardiff, Wet Ham and Everton for the drop.

I know, I know. But I think Everton are about to implode.

9. What side is Paul Lambert likely to choose for our encounter?

Whoever is fit. They will still do the job!

10. And finally, score predictions.

Villa 3 WB 0

Thank you.
No probs, thank you for asking.

[danlanza]

As usual, a complete class response from our Louzie0 there.
Class girly, complete class.

[pauliewalnuts]

1. The game at the Hawthorns finished 2-2. What was your assessment of the game?

You were the better side in the first half, we were the better side in the second. It was quite a good game, it has to be said. I doubt Long will ever score goals better than his two that night. That also showed one way we've improved this year, we are more resilient.

2. WBA recently sacked Steve Clarke and appointed Pepe Mel. What were your thoughts on Clarke's sacking and the appointment of Pepe Mel?

Sacking was harsh. I like Mel's determination to answer press questions in English.

3. Paul Lambert has been receiving some criticism from supporters. Is he still the right man for AVFC?

He's going to have to be, frankly, because starting all over again doesn't bear thinking about. I also suspect the major (though not only) constraining factor is money, in particular the need to not spend too much of it.

4. Villa have signed Grant Holt and Ryan Bertrand. What are your opinions on these additions?

Holt - massively unimpressed, will turn out a waste of money. Bertrand, much more impressive. Thank God no more Luna.

5. Are there any other positions which need strengthening during January?

Creative midfielder, possibly another midfield option.

6. Anelka has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons. What have you made of the situation? Does he warrant a suspension and for how long?

I think he knew what he was doing, and deserves a suspension.

7. If you were to form a side using Albion/Villa players - what would the side be?

Mediocre.

8. Which side shall win the league & which three sides shall be relegated?

Man City win league, Norwich, Sunderland, West Ham doomed.

9. What side is Paul Lambert likely to choose for our encounter?

Guzan

Bertrand Vlaar Clark Bacuna
KEA Delph Westwood
Weimann Benteke Agbonlahor

10. And finally, score predictions.

0-0

[Michel Sibble]

1. The game at the Hawthorns finished 2-2. What was your assessment of the game?
Poor start, but improved and got back in the game.

2. WBA recently sacked Steve Clarke and appointed Pepe Mel. What were your thoughts on Clarke's sacking and the appointment of Pepe Mel?
Initially thought sacking was harsh, but MOTD flashed up his recent record, which was something like eight wins in 30-odd. Maybe he could have turned the corner? Who knows.
Pepe Mel, know very little about, but does show up the lack of quality British managers available and competent in the EPL.

3. Paul Lambert has been receiving some criticism from supporters. Is he still the right man for AVFC?
Yes, because of the Liverpool game. We play our full-strength players in, we perform much better.

4. Villa have signed Grant Holt and Ryan Bertrand. What are your opinions on these additions?
Very surprised to get Bertrand in, hope we got a first-dibs clause (doubt it). Had doubts over Holt, whether he still had the form he showed at Norwich, but showing every bit the door-picker we need in order to create attacking chances.
It also showed that when Lambert wanted experience, it didn't necessarily meant going back on his youth-first policy, or going after the high wage-low interest bleeders we have largely got rid of.

5. Are there any other positions which need strengthening during January?
Midfield mainly. With Hoolahan possibly.

6. Anelka has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons. What have you made of the situation? Does he warrant a suspension and for how long?
The FA need to set an example in charging Anelka, it's less about what constitutes a reverse Nazi signal, rather any such action needs to be nipped in the bud before it becomes a big problem. We can do without racists in the game and we can do without cocks like Anelka and Suarez.

7. If you were to form a side using Albion/Villa players - what would the side be?
Would take Sessegnon and Mulumbu, everyone else Villa.

8. Which side shall win the league & which three sides shall be relegated?
Couldn't care less, and Norwich, Cardiff, Fulham

9. What side is Paul Lambert likely to choose for our encounter?
Guzan, Vlaa-rke, Bacuna, Bertrand -  KEA, Westwood, Delph, Gabby - Weimann, Benteke

10. And finally, score predictions.
3-2 with Holt setting up the winner.

[KevinGage]

1. The game at the Hawthorns finished 2-2. What was your assessment of the game?  
Was that rarest of games: We made subs that actually came on and changed the game.

2. WBA recently sacked Steve Clarke and appointed Pepe Mel. What were your thoughts on Clarke's sacking and the appointment of Pepe Mel?  Clarke sacking didn't make sense, unless he 'lost the dressing room'  or any other dial-a-cliche.

3. Paul Lambert has been receiving some criticism from supporters. Is he still the right man for AVFC? 
We'll have a better idea by the end of the season. It's not a given, but we should stay up.  The home form needs serious improvement.

4. Villa have signed Grant Holt and Ryan Bertrand. What are your opinions on these additions?  
Holt: meh.  Bertrand: better. 

5. Are there any other positions which need strengthening during January?
Central midfield, centre defence and wide cover/attacking midfield too, ideally.

6. Anelka has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons. What have you made of the situation? Does he warrant a suspension and for how long? He was an arse to do that and to think that -as one of France's most recognised players- he'd get away with it.  Throw the book at him.

7. If you were to form a side using Albion/Villa players - what would the side be? Guzan, Lowton, Vlaar, Olsson, Bertrand, Mulumbu, Brunt, Delph, Gabby, Benteke, Behranio

8. Which side shall win the league & which three sides shall be relegated? 
Chelsea.   Slumberland, Palarse and Norwich   I expect West Ham and yourselves to be heavily involved though.  We might be fighting it out too, if the home form in the second half of the campaign mirrors the first

9. What side is Paul Lambert likely to choose for our encounter?
Guzan, Bacuna, Vlaar, Clark, Bertrand, Westwood, KEA, Delph, Hoolahan, Benteke, Gabby

10. And finally, score predictions.
2-1 Villa

[Louzie0]

As usual, a complete class response from our Louzie0 there.
Class girly, complete class.

It's always nice to be appreciated. Thanks, DanL!

[Sam Smith]

1. The game at the Hawthorns finished 2-2. What was your assessment of the game?

We were poor first half and got what we deserved in the second after we introduced our more effective players and could have won it. I don't know why Albion don't go for our jugular when it's exposed.

2. WBA recently sacked Steve Clarke and appointed Pepe Mel. What were your thoughts on Clarke's sacking and the appointment of Pepe Mel?

You had been appalling for 12 months and I doubt he would have improved you. Interesting appointment and could go either way. I would imagine he will be better than Clarke.

3. Paul Lambert has been receiving some criticism from supporters. Is he still the right man for AVFC?
 
Yes as any other Gaffa would be working under the same constraints. He really has to improve the home form and the quality of play as it has been genuinely shocking at times.

4. Villa have signed Grant Holt and Ryan Bertrand. What are your opinions on these additions?

Sensible in the case of Holt, superb in the case of Bertrand. Time will tell of course.

5. Are there any other positions which need strengthening during January?

Centre Half and Creative midfielders!

6. Anelka has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons. What have you made of the situation? Does he warrant a suspension and for how long?

It's meaning appears to be ambiguous but it's ill advised at best and anti Semitic at worst. It should be treated like any other of the cases of this nature. Appropriate suspension following investigation assuming his guilt is proven.

7. If you were to form a side using Albion/Villa players - what would the side be?

Either Keeper - Lowton - Vlaar - Mcauley (Okore in time) - Bertrand - Westwood - Mulumbu - Brunt - Agbonlahor - Benteke - Berahinio

8. Which side shall win the league & which three sides shall be relegated? Man City, Cardiff, Palace and any one of 7

9. What side is Paul Lambert likely to choose for our encounter? Guzan / Bacuna / Vlaar / Clarke / Bertrand / Westwood / Delph / El hamadi / Gabby / Weiman / Benteke

10. And finally, score predictions.

Big Villa win or a Narrow Albion win. If we start like you did at the Hawthorns I think we will make you pay but our home form is so bad Albion must surely fancy it. It's gonna be a cracker!

[silhillvilla]

1. We deserved the points
2. Madness
3. Assess in the summer
4. Good signings
5. Nr 10
6. Don't care
7. The villa 80/81 league winning 14
8. Chelsea / Cardiff west ham WBA
9. Pass
10. 2-1 home win

[Sam Smith]

7. If you were to form a side using Albion/Villa players - what would the side be?

Mediocre.


On reflection this is of course the correct answer!

I am of course quoting above but have knackered the insert quote thing!

[TheSandman]

1. The game at the Hawthorns finished 2-2. What was your assessment of the game?

We were utterly dire in the first half, but played really well in the second and fought back fantastically. All in all, I was pleased with the point.

2. WBA recently sacked Steve Clarke and appointed Pepe Mel. What were your thoughts on Clarke's sacking and the appointment of Pepe Mel?

I thought the Clarke sacking was somewhat harsh. The managerial hunt seemed a bit protracted to me too, it was almost as if the WBA hierarchy were unsure what to do once they had sacked him. As for Mel, I know nothing about him. His record in Spain isn't brilliant but I have no idea what kind of constraints he worked under there. Seeing what Spanish football experts have to say about him he actually seems to be a good appointment and something of a character. However, I'd really be going with their opinions rather than mine if I said that, considering how little I follow continental football.

3. Paul Lambert has been receiving some criticism from supporters. Is he still the right man for AVFC?

I think yes. We've put in some poor performances recently but were much better on Saturday against Liverpool. I definitely think he is a step forward compared to our last manager and has performed respectably given the financial constraints in place and the level of rebuilding the club has required. If the Liverpool performance is a sign of what is to come and we finish the season strongly then he remains the right man for me.

4. Villa have signed Grant Holt and Ryan Bertrand. What are your opinions on these additions?

I think the Holt signing was a bit of a WTF? moment but having actually watched him on Saturday he didn't look out of place. At the end of the day he is a short term loan to cover for Kozak who is injured and gives us another senior person in the dressing room. My only disappointment with Bertrand is that it is only a loan. He is a good, young player who will fill in in a position we have two players who are not particularly great.

5. Are there any other positions which need strengthening during January?

Yes, I think we need at least one new midfielder to provide a better link between the mid and the strikers. A quality defensive midfielder might also be a useful addition as Westwood isn't playing as well as last season and I'm really not sure about El Ahmadi. Experience defensive cover is also a must. Vlaar is injury prone and without him we are very weak in central defence.

6. Anelka has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons. What have you made of the situation? Does he warrant a suspension and for how long?

I really don't know the background of the gesture he made in France but if it is something offensive then he has to be punished. I mean it is not as if Anelka hasn't got a record for bad behaviour.

7. If you were to form a side using Albion/Villa players - what would the side be?

I don't really watch Albion too much so I'm not really sure, I'd definitely put Yacob in midfield. None of your defensive options appeal and whilst I rate James Morrison he seems too similar to Delph who is simply a better player. So it'll be mostly Villa.

8. Which side shall win the league & which three sides shall be relegated?

Man City to win the league. West Ham, Fulham and Cardiff to go down.

9. What side is Paul Lambert likely to choose for our encounter?

Guzan

Lowton
Vlaar
Clark
Bertrand

Westwood
Sylla
Delph

Weimann
Benteke
Gabby

10. And finally, score predictions.

2-1 to us.

[ChicagoLion]

Hi, folks.

Again, if you could complete the questionnaire beneath it would be much appreciated - the finished article will then be provided in this topic early next week.

1. The game at the Hawthorns finished 2-2. What was your assessment of the game? Horrible Kit you were wearing.

2. WBA recently sacked Steve Clarke and appointed Pepe Mel. What were your thoughts on Clarke's sacking and the appointment of Pepe Mel? Obviously Peel Me is not English so an obvious improvement on Steve what a stupid name Clarke

3. Paul Lambert has been receiving some criticism from supporters. Is he still the right man for AVFC? WE will see.

4. Villa have signed Grant Holt and Ryan Bertrand. What are your opinions on these additions? Holt is a substantial addition.

5. Are there any other positions which need strengthening during January? The fence around West Bromwich.

6. Anelka has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons. What have you made of the situation? Does he warrant a suspension and for how long? It was an Old Black Country gesture, like thaputapigonthawalltawatchthabandguboy

7. If you were to form a side using Albion/Villa players - what would the side be? Lakaku would be good- titter

8. Which side shall win the league & which three sides shall be relegated? Boring

9. What side is Paul Lambert likely to choose for our encounter? What is this Encounter you speak of?

10. And finally, score predictions. Have a tener on a draw.

Thank you.