Dean Smith - Confirmed

[RamboandBruno]

I actually went to a real life pub last night and said to a mate, that the ultimate would be the FA Cup with Grealish and Smith. I know there are bigger prizes but the romance of it all....

[Richard E]

I think I’d cry myself into a puddle with emotion if that happened.

[Drummond]

Yep, I may just die of a heart attack at the sheer joy and exultation. A Grealish winner against Man Utd having run rings round them all game.

Martinez to be the first keeper to make a hat-trick of penalty saves in the 90 minutes.

Beating Liverpool in the Semi (again) and Leeds in Quarters.

A non league team in a full Villa Park and giving them the gate receipts in the 3rd round.

Beating Blues in 4th round, West Brom in 5th...

[Villan For Life]

It’s the only domestic trophy that I’m yet to see us win. As a 50-something I want us to be able to sing “My eyes have seen the glory of the Villa win the cup” again. And again and again.

[Legion]

It’s the only domestic trophy that I’m yet to see us win. As a 50-something I want us to be able to sing “My eyes have seen the glory of the Villa win the cup” again. And again and again.

Same for me but without the singing. I don't do singing.

[clash city rocker]

It’s the only domestic trophy that I’m yet to see us win. As a 50-something I want us to be able to sing “My eyes have seen the glory of the Villa win the cup” again. And again and again.

Same for me but without the singing. I don't do singing.

And me plus I do lots of singing especially when pissed which has happened more than once at Villa games.

[LeeB]

It’s the only domestic trophy that I’m yet to see us win. As a 50-something I want us to be able to sing “My eyes have seen the glory of the Villa win the cup” again. And again and again.

We need to win another 4 for the for the following line to scan correctly.

[SaddVillan]

From today's Observer - Fan's end of season reviews

Aston Villa - Jonathan Pritchard

We’d have been thrilled with the idea of 50+ points and easy survival last September. The late-season dip shows again our reliance on Grealish, but that shouldn’t blur the bigger picture. This is a work in progress and Dean Smith and co are doing a great job. At times our football was so good it made me simultaneously giddily excited and sick not to be there. At other times we’ve been predictable and meek. So, more investment is needed. But the platform is there to sustain a genuine challenge for Europe next year. And the under-18s are in their cup final tomorrow. Exciting times. 9/10

Stars/flops Jack remains the apple of every Villa fan’s eye. He somehow managed to go up another level this year. Martinez was the best signing, Cash, too, was a snip and Targett and Konsa have turned into proper top-eight players. Watkins is more proof that there’s value in lower divisions, and his courteous manner makes him firm “marry my daughter” material. Barkley, though, wouldn’t be allowed her phone number.

What needs to happen this summer? We have a good first XI but need a good 18 to really compete. Midfield is the biggest area for investment. Minor legends Elmohamady and Hourihane will probably move on, with not a dry eye in the house.

What made you smile? Winning a seat for today in the ballot. It’ll be wonderful to revisit my three spiritual homes after all this time: the Pendolino, the pub and Villa Park. It’s been a long time coming: I’ll be returning home wobbly, hoarse and a bit emotional. Sorry, Mrs P.

[PeterWithe]

What’s a Pendolino?

[danno]

What’s a Pendolino?

A type of train. Although he must commute alot for it to be one of his spiritual homes.

[Martin Carruthers]

What’s a Pendolino?

A train, the long distance type ones.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Reading that I thought some type of antidepressant. Never understood why the Observer always go to him for the fans view.

[SoccerHQ]

What I like about this season is we've given it a real go home and away against pretty much every team in the league.

First double over Arsenal since early 90s.

First win over Spurs since 2015.

4 points off Chelsea

And seven goals against Liverpool which I keep forgetting we did.

Shame we seem in the annual vortex v Man. United but we played o.k home and away v them aswell imo, oh for some luck one day in key moments in games v them.

[eamonn]

9/10?! Needs to have a word with BronteBilly who'll talk him into taking the mark down a notch or two.

[LeeB]

The man is doing a tremendous job and long may it continue.