Pre-season 2026

[Mellin]

Maybe cut the smarm then, ay?

Disregarding the opposition, he was rapid, positional sense was great (offensively too), delivery was strong (did overhit one), isn't built like a child like he was two years ago and everything about him just looked top level. He pretty much ran the game from right back.

So yeah, he was pretty bloody good.

No offence to you, Mellin, I’m sure you are a super fan or something, but I see it as my god given right to be as smarmy as I like.

I am glad the kid did well. And the others too.

I'm just calling what I see, like we all do. But you're right, you're as entitled to your smarm as I am entitled to call you on it when pointed in my direction.

Anyway, agreed on no offence. Life's too short. Let's just leave it there.

[LeeS]

Maybe cut the smarm then, ay?

Disregarding the opposition, he was rapid, positional sense was great (offensively too), delivery was strong (did overhit one), isn't built like a child like he was two years ago and everything about him just looked top level. He pretty much ran the game from right back.

So yeah, he was pretty bloody good.

No offence to you, Mellin, I’m sure you are a super fan or something, but I see it as my god given right to be as smarmy as I like.

I am glad the kid did well. And the others too.

I'm just calling what I see, like we all do. But you're right, you're as entitled to your smarm as I am entitled to call you on it when pointed in my direction.

Anyway, agreed on no offence. Life's too short. Let's just leave it there.

Apologies. It wasn’t aimed at you. We all want the same thing, these kids to do us proud.

UTV

[Mellin]

Apologies too. You seem a decent sort. Nothing personal and already forgotten about.

UTV

[PeterWithesShin]

Mellin and Lee sitting in a tree...

[Bosco81]

Sir Brian was talking about there not being many Brian’s at Villa since he left, I can’t think of any myself

Small if you count Bryans

Definetly count Bryan Small, good shout.

I said hello to him before the Palace semi, I must have blocked the whole day from my mind

[paul_e]

Madjo is a monster and will scare the shit out of a lot of defenders over the next 15 years, he's huge, quick, has a decent touch and has good instincts in the box. If he can work on bringing people in to play and being a bit more involved in the build-up he could end up as a perfect modern 9.

Ned, Hemmings, Alysson, Cisse and Rowe (he had less time but was playing out of position and didn't look worried at all by it) looked like players made to play for Emery - calm, composed and tidy. Along with Brian I thought that lot were the standouts from the game.

Lynch did well but I'm not sure what position he played because he was drifting around a little more than Emery usually likes, maybe trying to play the Rogers role?

[Bosco81]

Hemmings look a lovely player, finds space so well.

Be good to see if he’s learnt from that Salzburg game when we play better opposition

[Tokyo Sexwhale]

Lynch 4

https://xcancel.com/GoalsXtra/status/2079657891548537153#m

Borland 5

https://xcancel.com/FlashGoalz/status/2079658754912448799#m

Watching that Lynch goal, I wondered who the old bald geezer was who went to congratulate him.

Matty Cash should prolonged his stay in Turkey - he looks 20 years older.