Mansfield Town v Aston Villa all singing and dancing thread

[supertom]

You really can see as well that Cole is a quality player. If, and it is a big if, we can get a fair amount of playing time out of him he is going to be a big asset.

I'm hoping for similar from Carruthers. He's looking composed and confident on the ball. Could be potential backup for that No 10 position.

I think we need to see Cole playing behind Bent during pre-season too. I think Bent is the sort of forward who'll thrive on a player like Cole. He may be a tad wasted behind Gabby for example.

[supertom]

I'm glad to see Given back. He's a quality keeper. I'd be very confident with him on the bench as opposed to one of the younger lads.

[Toronto Villa]

You really can see as well that Cole is a quality player. If, and it is a big if, we can get a fair amount of playing time out of him he is going to be a big asset.

It's all very Pires. You can see the qualities they had at their peak. You don't lose that. They just lose a step and get knackered faster. You're right though. IF he can be used sparingly, stay healthy and motivated he can change a game with his vision.

[ciggiesnbeer]

They must have been given strict instructions to play out from the back. Some of that passage of play was very "unVilla" like.

[Smirker]

Gabby looking stockier than ever.

[supertom]

You really can see as well that Cole is a quality player. If, and it is a big if, we can get a fair amount of playing time out of him he is going to be a big asset.

It's all very Pires. You can see the qualities they had at their peak. You don't lose that. They just lose a step and get knackered faster. You're right though. IF he can be used sparingly, stay healthy and motivated he can change a game with his vision.

He's not quite at the Pires stage yet (I hope). I hope we'll get a couple of, at least half decent, years out of him. Cole never particularly relied on pace, where Pires was known for his surging runs.

[PeterWithesShin]

Pires was 4 years older so hopefully Cole will be able to contribute more.

[supertom]

Gabby looking stockier than ever.

Yep. I'm wondering if he found Holts stash.

[PeterWithesShin]

Gabby looking stockier than ever.

Yep. I'm wondering if he found Holts stash.

Maybe he ate Holt?

[Smirker]

Bacuna should have scored there.

[PeterWithesShin]

I was about to say I really do like Bacuna, just as he scoops that chance into another postcode.

[Clampy]

Gabby looking stockier than ever.

I was just thinking that. He looks a bit quicker though which doesn't make sense.

[Toronto Villa]

Pires was 4 years older so hopefully Cole will be able to contribute more.

yeh, I know. I think the point being he's an experienced head that is likely past his very best but can offer his skills and experience to the cause. If he was better or healthier he likely wouldn't be with us.

[supertom]

Every now and again Woodward asks a question as if forgetting he doesn't have a co-commentator with him...that is unless he's got an imaginary friend next to him that only he can see.

[ciggiesnbeer]

Oh its a STAG! I wondered what the demonic figure by the corner flag was.