Aston Villa vs Birmingham City Pre-Match Thread

[Clampy]

I kind of understand the clamour for Gabby to be on the bench because let's face it, it would be very funny if he came on and scored again. That said, we've done ok without him, he's hardly played any football lately and I doubt he deserves to be picked ahead of the likes of Green and Davis anyway.

[Legion]

No need to select him. He can just sit on the bench and watch. Maybe the odd bit of exercise on the touchline to keep warm every now and them. Just to keep them confused.

[Hookeysmith]

Cheers Hookeysmith. They’re small rucksacks, so I think they’ll be alright. They’re in North Stand Upper.

For the 5-1 derby ten years ago (Christ!), both myself and a friend were in the same situation and also with tickets in the North Stand. We alighted at Witton, both rocking suitcases on wheels like a pair of tits, causing delays in the hordes of people making their way to the stadium much to general chagrin all-round. The staff at the entrance to the North Stand kindly relieved us of our luggage for the duration of the match and we were able to stretch our knees and feet a little bit more in the hitherto cramped rows of the good old North's user unfriendly layout. Not sure security are so amenable these days what with Isis, Trump an'shit.

Security and other factors have changed the policies on personal possessions being allowed into the ground. The club will not accept any responsibility for personal possessions so will not hold items such as luggage, umbrellas etc. They used to and issue a ticket - but since the Paris / London attacks things have quite rightly changed.
Anyone attempting to come into the stadium with large items will be refused entry

I really would not chance it - especially on Sunday

[Dr_Fegg]

I hate these games too, but we've got to treat it like just another game against rabble from the nether regions of the division.  We should have too much for them all over the pitch, and a game like this will suit John Terry to a tee. 3-0 Villa, fuck off Small Heath.

In a nutshell

[Tony Erdington]

I hate these games too, but we've got to treat it like just another game against rabble from the nether regions of the division.  We should have too much for them all over the pitch, and a game like this will suit John Terry to a tee. 3-0 Villa, fuck off Small Heath.

In a nutshell

I do totally agree, but I think the tension from us fans transmits on to the pitch, you know what were like (the fans) every kick is applauded or groaned at.

Still having said that I think it will be close Villa 5 small heath nowt.

[Bad English]

It won't be as it's on Sky.

Ah. Bollocks! Cheers!

[VinnieChase84]

Pre match nerves kicking right in today!! Hate the build up to these games

[Brassneck]

Pre match nerves kicking right in today!! Hate the build up to these games

If you think this is bad, imagine what it's like in the play offs?

This is just another game in which 3 points are available. The worst that can happen is we lose and drop down to 4th with 15 games still in front of us to catch up. Oh and of course the mongrels will be complaining that it didn't feel like a win because the city wouldn't allow them an open top bus tour.

[VinnieChase84]

Pre match nerves kicking right in today!! Hate the build up to these games

If you think this is bad, imagine what it's like in the play offs?

This is just another game in which 3 points are available. The worst that can happen is we lose and drop down to 4th with 15 games still in front of us to catch up. Oh and of course the mongrels will be complaining that it didn't feel like a win because the city wouldn't allow them an open top bus tour.

I am refusing to focus on anything but 2nd place. But yes you are very accurate, the play offs would be torture.

[ADVILLAFAN]

Sounds like Bruce will probably be in the dugout on Sunday. Wonder if that will make for a slightly subdued atmosphere?

[Dr Butler]

this made me smile





UTV
the Doc

[Toronto Villa]

this made me smile





UTV
the Doc

That's funny. That picture presents all the reasons to dislike Gabby as well as all the reasons we liked him at one point.

[AsTallAsLions]

Just re-watched the highlights of our 5-1 thrashing of the scum, again. Tingles. Every time. Come on Villa!

[UK Redsox]

I'd rather have Gabby on the bench than the extra midfielder that Bruce will go with (ie Whelan)

[john e]

I was never a big Gabby fan even at the height of his powers

but this is the game where I’d have him on the bench