The Villa Thread

[Davester]

Well everyone else has one and we are a BIG club afterall :)

So, shall I start the way we mean to go on?

SACK THE BOARD!!

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Davester
Well everyone else has one and we are a BIG club afterall :)

So, shall I start the way we mean to go on?

SACK THE BOARD!!

Agreed ... Ellis is a leech

:thumbs:

[Davester]

I was trying to convince everyone in the bar tonight that macca is the greatest player to ever play in teh premiership but wasn't getting much support :D

Pitty Stan hasn't aged as well as him! How did he play today?

[Euripedes]

He played well mate ... 100% commitment and you cannot expect any more from him ... his feet may not be the fastest, but he is doing a sound job for us at the moment.

Macca is God. Nothing more, nothing less

:notworthy :notworthy :notworthy :notworthy

[Davester]

Nice to hear that although I would still prefer to see ol' Alpat at the back. I feel far more secure with him there. Although the record of the back four is exceptional I feel Enks has an awful lot to do with that!

What do you reckon about the Arse next weekend? I can't see us winning it. They have to much pace and ingenuity for us :(

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Davester
Nice to hear that although I would still prefer to see ol' Alpat at the back. I feel far more secure with him there. Although the record of the back four is exceptional I feel Enks has an awful lot to do with that!

What do you reckon about the Arse next weekend? I can't see us winning it. They have to much pace and ingenuity for us :(

Agreed. Good win today, but one swallow does not make a summer.

The Alpay situation is not good for us ... a good and focussed Aplay and Mellberg, is the best Centre Half combination in the Premiership bar none. However, there are other factors involved and this has been it's downfall. :(

Enks is proving to be a superb aquisition and is proving his worth. He made 2 world class saves today and both were appreciated by David James with applause at the other end of the pitch.

[Ono]

So who's going come January then?

[Euripedes]

Alpay (sadly), Stone, Kachloul, Hadji( how the hell he can't get in our side is beyond me),Possibly Angel, Alan Wright.

[Mandrill]

Poor Wrighty ,I herd might be going to the bluenoses :shocker:

I'd keep Hadji but the rest can go,what is bad is that we will get barely 5mil for the lot IMO.Alpay's value has sunk lower than the Titanic in recent month's

[Davester]

Alpay :(
Stone :clap: apparently not been seen in teh local since joining pompy!
Kachloul :clap: 40K a week. WTF
Hadji( how the hell he can't get in our side is beyond me)
Angel :( class player. Will be missed
Alan Wright ABOUT TIME!

Pitty we can't add
Dion
Kinsella
Leohnardson

There is also talk of Vassell to manure and us getting Bastia (sp?)

TBH can you see us getting a considerable sum for any of them. With Angel it will be Savoall over again. Hassan is on the gravey train as is Dion. No nationwide club will splash the cash on their wages esp with the cap coming in potentially

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Davester

Pitty we can't add
Dion
Kinsella
Leohnardson

There is also talk of Vassell to manure and us getting Bastia (sp?)

TBH can you see us getting a considerable sum for any of them. With Angel it will be Savoall over again. Hassan is on the gravey train as is Dion. No nationwide club will splash the cash on their wages esp with the cap coming in potentially

Bit harsh on Dion mate, he played well again yesterday. Agree with your sentiments on Angel ... if he goes, my son will be gutted as he is his favourite player.

Kinsella WTF ... :brickwall :brickwall

Leohnardsen ... good squad player and has scored a couple of good goals in the last 2 home hames ( he cost nothing), but he was absolutely crap against the Carrier Baggies.

Hopefully ... and it ain'y gonna happen we can get Jorgensen and Bastia in January .. we have a decent team then, but i think that under Taylor we ain't going to pull up trees until GT leaves or moves upstairs.

And then Ellis will replace him with another Puppet
:mad:

[Davester]

Perhaps it is a tad harsh, but he has missed two open goals in two games and was at fault for a goal yesterday. The guy has given a lot to the club but I feel at this stage in his career he is a squad player. Can you see him putting in good performances next season? I would have bitten the Cov's hand off!

It is also interesting to see what will happen when ellis finally decides to retire. Will we get Ansell? Ellis junior?

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Davester
off!

It is also interesting to see what will happen when ellis finally decides to retire. Will we get Ansell? Ellis junior?

He won't retire, he will die first.

Ansell ... is the Devils' Spawn

Ellis Junior ... could not organise the proverbial in a brewery.

:mad:

[Davester]

So what will happen? I have about £10 knocking around here. Start a collection?

[kjn6371]

Put your money towards this Davester http://www.shopcreator.com/mall/AstonVillaOnlineStore/products/product-142658.stm to remind yourself that we once had a great team.

[Davester]

Originally posted by kjn6371
Put your money towards this Davester http://www.shopcreator.com/mall/AstonVillaOnlineStore/products/product-142658.stm to remind yourself that we once had a great team. Perhaps I might ask Santa for it ;)

I have so many books knocking around from the past 15 years. Maybe time to break them out again to remind me of the good old days of mita copiers, Ian Only and the shed that was the witton rd stand.............

[Pisces Iscariot]

Originally posted by Davester

There is also talk of Vassell to manure and us getting Bastia (sp?) Bastia would be a good signing but for Villa but you can keep Vassell. :nono:

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Pisces Iscariot
Bastia would be a good signing but for Villa but you can keep Vassell. :nono:

Gladly ... but he will probably got to Villaboro'

[Mandrill]

Originally posted by Euripedes
Gladly ... but he will probably got to Villaboro'

VillaBoro :lol:

Well they took our defence ,a midfielder,2 coach's they just need a striker and a goalie to complete the set ;)

Bastia sounds like the type of player we need from what I have read about him.Good ball winner in the Boateng mode.If we could get him and Jorghenson we would have a decent team IMO.

I doubt Angel will go in January maybe in the summer.If we could get the right players around him he would get the goals.

Davester I'd rather keep Leo than DeLaCruz who has looked dodgy in all the game's I have seen him in.

[Davester]

TBH neither are good enough. That is teh unfortunate fact of life. They are not fit to wear the shirt.

Jorghenson is a good player, and has proven himself in Italy. My only worry is whether he would adapt to teh English game.

[Euripedes]

Incidentally ... apart from the usual suspects ... how many Villa Fans are on this discussion board ???

I know of Wolfman .. who does not post about sport really, but he is a mate of mine ... so I know of him.

[unlucky alf]

I am a villa fan.

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by unlucky alf
I am a villa fan.

Welcome to the club ... it's a bloody life sentence though !!

[Legendary]

Yup I am a Villa fan and haven't been to Villa match since Graham Taylor's first game in charge against Chelsea.

I am broke and not working so I don't want Villa to make me more miserable, and it is not to bad.

Ellis and board and GT must go. I think we need a world class midfielder and a central defender to replace Alpay. It is shame we didn't keep Southgate or have a young Paul McGrath. I think Macca and Mellberg together will be unbeatable partnership shame it never happens.

I am pleased with the recent improvement of form. Have the entertainment come back to Villa Park yet ?

[wozwebs]

Season ticket holder for 12 years. Go to 80-90% of Away games aswell. Only missed Bolton & Blackburn this season so far. Have only seen 1 goal (Ollie's header at Mould Trafford) away from home in the league. (3 at Oxford in cup aswell)

Been a bit of a **** season so far but as long as we finish in the top 10 and above the Baggies and Bluescum I'll be content.

Taylor still needs to wise up to modern day football or get out while the memory of his first stint is still with us. The longer it goes on and we get worse I'm afraid it will taint all the good work he did with the club in the late 80's

Up the Villa - let's keep this thread near the top!!

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by wozwebs

Up the Villa - let's keep this thread near the top!!

:notworthy :notworthy :notworthy

[Mandrill]

I make that 8 of us then :thumbs:

[Euripedes]

Shamelessly lifted from Heroes and Villains:

25th November 1953.

On this day England lost 6-3 at Wembley to the Magical Magyars of Hungary. However, the England team did have an excuse, as their day was filled with Wise Men asking for directions and tales of magical occurences in a frozen land far far away.

When all the fuss had died down a star did appear in the north-east. And the Wise Men did follow it until they came upon a stable in Stanley, County Durham, in whch Mrs Little was giving birth to a boy, whom she did christen Brian. And many were those who gathered round to witness this wonderous occurence, and many more were those who later claimed to have been there, for her son did grow up to become the greatest footballer who ever did walk this earth.

Then 21 years later, to the very day, he scored a hat-trick against Hartlepool in the League Cup. And 20 years after that, he did return in triumph to become the manager of Aston Villa FC.

:notworthy "Walks on Water":notworthy

[Mandrill]

:( Too young to ever see him play :(

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Mandrill
:( Too young to ever see him play :(

So was I, but he is the reason that I follow the Villa after watching him in the '70s on Star Soccer.

[Euripedes]

Apparently, Crouch is being watched by Dave Jones at Wolves as a possible Loan signing. However, he got injured in a reserve match last night and is out for 2 weeks.

[Mandrill]

Originally posted by Euripedes
Apparently, Crouch is being watched by Dave Jones at Wolves as a possible Loan signing. However, he got injured in a reserve match last night and is out for 2 weeks.

:brickwall :brickwall :brickwall

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Mandrill
:brickwall :brickwall :brickwall

:nono: :nono:





:lol:

[Mandrill]

Well if he went on loan at least he would get some game's.I can't see him getting near the first 11 at Villa anytime soon

[Davester]

He lacks any confidence at the minute. A loan spell there would be great for him. He'd get goals and games under his belt.

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Davester
He lacks any confidence at the minute. A loan spell there would be great for him. He'd get goals and games under his belt.

This is what Taylor saw in him apparently .. apart from a couple of games, I think that at the moment he is out of his depth.

[Euripedes]

Did anyone see the game yesterday ... from the comentary, this sounded like Men against boys ... ???

[Davester]

a mate went but he is a gooner so i don't have the heart to find out. men against boys -it wasn't going to eb anything else was it :(

[Mandrill]

Mellberg at RB was a mistake I would have played Wright LB Samual RB Mellberg and Jonson CB.

We need to stengthan the midfield and get cover for RB as we have to move too many players around when Delaney is injured

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Mandrill
Mellberg at RB was a mistake I would have played Wright LB Samual RB Mellberg and Jonson CB.

We need to stengthan the midfield and get cover for RB as we have to move too many players around when Delaney is injured

This definitely needs addressing in the Transfer window.

The higlights made us look better than I thought really ...

[Ono]

Got to admit - the gulf in class between us and the Arse is pretty apparent. :(


Thing is, we should be up there with the best of 'em, but it just isn't happening at all.

[kjn6371]

There's talk of a swap deal with Blackburn.With Barry heading to Ewood Rd and David Dunn coming to Villa Park,any thoughts?

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by kjn6371
There's talk of a swap deal with Blackburn.With Barry heading to Ewood Rd and David Dunn coming to Villa Park,any thoughts?

No :nono: no :nono:

Barry is starting to show some class in this new role and is still very young ... If Taylor wants Dunn then he should make a cash bid :rolleyes: .. but we all know that ain't gonna happen.

[Davester]

Melberg at right back was a mistake. He is the only one with pace. Stan is too old and is being turned too frequently.

Keep Barry. Buy Dunn

[Mandrill]

What ia annoying is at the end of August we had £5mil to buy Holland.Now Taylor is saying there is no money :mad:

So where the Hell has that gone.:oh-hum:

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Mandrill
What ia annoying is at the end of August we had £5mil to buy Holland.Now Taylor is saying there is no money :mad:

So where the Hell has that gone.:oh-hum:

Excuses again mate ... just ask Herbert Douglas Ellis and his protege Ansell ... more excuses and deflections ...

This is what makes me mad about the Villa .. If we ain't got the money say so. We offerred £5m+ for Holland .. and now its disappeared. Not even David Blaine could do that.

:mad:

[Legendary]

The trouble with Villa fans we are not ruthless enough to the board :brickwall

We need to make the board swim with the fishes (Sopranos style) :clap:

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Legendary
The trouble with Villa fans we are not ruthless enough to the board :brickwall

We need to make the board swim with the fishes (Sopranos style) :clap:

Now that would be the best Xmas Present ever .

[The 3 little pigs]

I think Villas problem is that the club has an air of stagnation around it. You have to wonder why so many players leave the club for what are in reality smaller clubs (and i'm talking about James, Southgate, Ehiogu, Merson before you start quoting Bosnich & Yorke at me!). There doesnt seem to be any ambition in the chairman & although Taylor is (was?) popular, I think its a backward step and may have got the job because the chairman knows he wont have a loose cannon like Gregory upsetting the applecart.

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by The 3 little pigs
I think Villas problem is that the club has an air of stagnation around it. You have to wonder why so many players leave the club for what are in reality smaller clubs (and i'm talking about James, Southgate, Ehiogu, Merson before you start quoting Bosnich & Yorke at me!). There doesnt seem to be any ambition in the chairman & although Taylor is (was?) popular, I think its a backward step and may have got the job because the chairman knows he wont have a loose cannon like Gregory upsetting the applecart.

This is exactly right .. however there is a lot of propaganda that comes from the board room and unfortunately there are people that buy it and form the opinion of not upsetting the applecart.

In the last 30 years, AVFC have had limited success. At times when the club should have had for thought and progressed onwards from a position of strength, ie Winning the European Cup, runners-up in the Premier League for example, we have always taken even further steps backwards.

There is one common denominator in all of this:

Herbert Douglas Ellis.

http://www.downingnet.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/ellisoutwall.jpg

[kjn6371]

If Erickson didn't appoint a new no 2 which I understand now seems likely there was talk of Platty coming to Villa with GT moving upstairs.

[Mandrill]

Originally posted by kjn6371
If Erickson didn't appoint a new no 2 which I understand now seems likely there was talk of Platty coming to Villa with GT moving upstairs.

Oh god NOOOOOO :mad:

He was useless at Forest :brickwall

[kjn6371]

Where were the posts celebrating Doug being chairman for 20 years the other day?.Sunday was the anniversary of the great day.

[Davester]

Looks like John is being investigated for the Angel, Alpay and Balaban transfers for dodgy dealings ala George Graham. TBH I just couldn't see him doing that to us, unless it was the only way to get the players as there is talk of the agent (not John) benefiting.

bbc.co.uk has more details

[sigur]

Link to BBC news site- FA probes Gregory deals (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/2541413.stm)

[Muddy Mudskipper]

Dunn wouldn't want to go to Villa, and anyway he'd cost at least £10 million.

[Davester]

The same can be said of Barry.

[Davester]

nice to see a fair and well presented bbc article :oh-hum:

[Pisces Iscariot]

Well Dunn is worth more than Barry.

[wozwebs]

Originally posted by Pisces Iscariot
Well Dunn is worth more than Barry.

Not a chance! Barry was in the England squad 2 1/2 years ago at Euro 2000. Where was Dunn?

Gregory leaving him out for long periods of time is still a mystery to me. If he had kept him in the side he would be an England regular now.

I was at Old Trafford last month when Barry 100% took the **** out of David Beckham by chipping the ball over his head and leaving him for dust.

Sublime!!

I'm sory but although I do rate Dunn highly - I'd rather have Barry!!

[Pisces Iscariot]

Two and a half years ago eh? Has he been in a recent England squad like Dunn? Has he been in an England squad this season like Dunn?


Dunn is valued at £12m+, Barry isn't.

[Davester]

Originally posted by Pisces Iscariot
Two and a half years ago eh? Has he been in a recent England squad like Dunn? Has he been in an England squad this season like Dunn?


Dunn is valued at £12m+, Barry isn't. Barry is much better than Dunn. He has sublime touch, which he has complemented with a battling side. His MOTM performances this season have kept us in games. Dunn is too up and down.

[Mandrill]

Originally posted by Davester
Dunn is too up and down.

That might be due to his page 3 girlfriend :norty:

[Muddy Mudskipper]

Originally posted by Davester
Barry is much better than Dunn. He has sublime touch, which he has complemented with a battling side. His MOTM performances this season have kept us in games. Dunn is too up and down.

Absolutely no way is Barry better than Dunn.

[Davester]

Originally posted by Muddy Mudskipper
Absolutely no way is Barry better than Dunn. Barry is more versatile, more consistent, has better technique. Dunnis not a bad player but Barry is the one out of the two who will go further

[Ono]

I'd keep Barry.

[Muddy Mudskipper]

Originally posted by Davester
Barry is more versatile, more consistent, has better technique. Dunnis not a bad player but Barry is the one out of the two who will go further

He's a slightly above average defender/midfielder and the only reason he'll be in any future England squad is because he's left-footed.

[Pisces Iscariot]

Davester we could get into a discussion about this but what's the point as it will just be like Alpay is the best defender and worth £20m etc. I believe you even went as far as 'he's better than Ayala.' :lol: :p

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Muddy Mudskipper
Absolutely no way is Barry better than Dunn.

Nopeyour right he is VERY MUCH better ...

[Muddy Mudskipper]

I've incurred the wrath of the Villa fanboys. :eek: :D

[Davester]

Originally posted by Pisces Iscariot
Davester we could get into a discussion about this but what's the point as it will just be like Alpay is the best defender and worth £20m etc. I believe you even went as far as 'he's better than Ayala.' :lol: :p Did you watch the World Cup? Alpay was world class. Just because he plays for Villa doesn't mean he can't be a quality player

[Pisces Iscariot]

Originally posted by Davester
Did you watch the World Cup? I saw coverage of every game. :dork:

[Davester]

I missed a few :(

[Pisces Iscariot]

Originally posted by Davester
I missed a few :( There's no excuse for that! I was doing exams and still managed it! :p

[Mandrill]

Just saw the goals from tonight :notworthy :notworthy

[wozwebs]

Great performance tonight - it could have been 10 in all fairness.

A month ago we couldn't score down Balsall Heath now the goals are flying in. 12 goals in the last 3 home games.

To the fans who think about getting down VP - Don't think just get down there and support the lads.

Hard to say what the best goal was tonight, Angel or Tommy??

:clap: :clap:

[Ono]

Originally posted by wozwebs
To the fans who think about getting down VP - Don't think just get down there and support the lads.



Too far. :(

[HBK757]

David Dunn goto Villa? :lol: Don't make me laugh. That would be a backwards step for his career. I've seen Gareth Barry play a fair bit, he's good on the ball, composed and is generally a very capable defender. Would I swap Dunn for Barry if I were Souness? Not a chance in hell unless Villa were prepared to pay at least £3 million on top of the exchange.

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by HBK757
David Dunn goto Villa? :lol: Don't make me laugh. That would be a backwards step for his career. I've seen Gareth Barry play a fair bit, he's good on the ball, composed and is generally a very capable defender. Would I swap Dunn for Barry if I were Souness? Not a chance in hell unless Villa were prepared to pay at least £3 million on top of the exchange.


You obviously haven't seen Barry play enough then ;)

Dunn is good ... but not THAT good ...

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Muddy Mudskipper
I've incurred the wrath of the Villa fanboys. :eek: :D


:lol: :lol:

Villa Youth to you mate

[Pisces Iscariot]

If Barry went up for sale who do you think would bid for him and how much?

[Ono]

Villa suck. :(

[HBK757]

Only West Brom are more boring than Villa in the Premier League.

[Davester]

Originally posted by HBK757
Only West Brom are more boring than Villa in the Premier League. Blunderland and Liverpool too.

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Pisces Iscariot
If Barry went up for sale who do you think would bid for him and how much?

Hard to say .... The only thing that lets barry down is a yard short of pace. He is cracking footballer, and really it's all down to perception. In the right side and playing in a position that suits him, he could be part of a Championship winning side ( not us of course).

Value is in the the eye of the Beholder.

Is Veron worth £28m
Is Heskey worth £11.5M
Is Peter Crouch worth £5.5M :eek:

[HBK757]

In current transfer values, where Cannavaro, the best defender in the world was only bought for £14 million, Gilberto for £4.5 million, Robbie Keane for £7 million, where where Bridge will reportedly be available for £7 when the transfer window opens, I'd put Barry at no more than £8 million.

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by HBK757
In current transfer values, where Cannavaro, the best defender in the world was only bought for £14 million, Gilberto for £4.5 million, Robbie Keane for £7 million, where where Bridge will reportedly be available for £7 when the transfer window opens, I'd put Barry at no more than £8 million.


That high .. interesting ... put please tell me why Peter Crouch is worth £5 million :oh-hum:

[Mandrill]

Well Crouch was apparantly only £3.5mil up front with the rest in appearance's :nuts:

£8mil for Barry I'd say is about right but I think his value to Villa at the moment is better than £8mil in the bank.From what I have heard when he went off on Saturday we didnt look as good.

Saturday also showed the importance of Delaney.IMO Shearers goal could have been easily avoided and I belive Delaney would have covered the back post better than DeLaCruz did.

Also Robert was a danger on the left something I knew would happen not just because he is a good player, but because Samual a left footer was playing RB.Meaning Robert going on the outside would leave Samual having to attempt a tackle on his weaker side.

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Mandrill
Well Crouch was apparantly only £3.5mil up front with the rest in appearance's :nuts:


Are you sure about that ... I thought that this was a straight up deal

[Legendary]

Could we ask Portsmouth for money back after giving them Merson and Stone for nothing.

[ChrisH]

Didin't even know this thread existed!! :nuts:

should check the sports forum more often,

At least i can suffer with other villans here :rolleyes:

[Mandrill]

Originally posted by Euripedes
Are you sure about that ... I thought that this was a straight up deal

Thats what I have read somewhere.Checking Planetfootball they quote us as paying £4.8mil for him.I can't belive we would pay that much up front.

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by ChrisH
Didin't even know this thread existed!! :nuts:

should check the sports forum more often,

At least i can suffer with other villans here :rolleyes:

Chris H ... welcome to the select bunch of Villains on this board.

As a side issue ... found this from www.villatalk.com . This is a fantastic article and sums up the despot that we have at the clubs healm.


David Young knows who he blames for the current problems at Villa Park. Here, he writes a pretty much water tight arguement calling for the removal of Mr Doug Ellis.

The campaign to remove Doug Ellis has been quiet recently because of the lack of critical mass to leverage the issues. With Aston Villa's recent revival stumbling, the current condition of the Club from a playing standpoint has now become critical as the club wallows near the foot of the Premiership; the time is right to become vigorous in the pursuit of removing Doug Ellis.

Doug Ellis, it is time for you to make a public statement on the current crisis at Aston Villa explaining to fans, customers and shareholders exactly in what direction you are taking our Club, what your plans are for the future and when these plans will bear fruit so that we can all be, supposedly, reassured. There should be, but there apparently does not appear to be, a sense of urgency surrounding our present condition.

Continued silence from you is more than enough confirmation of your inability to successfully lead Aston Villa, especially in view of our current plight. Failure by you to address this issue is again reason to promote your removal and replacement with better leadership.

Since the high spot of just over 12 months ago when we were top of the Premiership, Aston Villa has embarked on a journey characterised by events which have been all too familiar during the last 20 years or so.

Doug Ellis, you are ultimately responsible for Aston Villa and always have been during your tenure. Managers may come and go, but it is ultimately your responsibility to ensure that Aston Villa succeeds by appointing the right people.

The appointment of Graham Taylor ( one manager among a succession of many others) has proven to be merely the politically expedient appointment by you to quell all the disquiet. Doug, his appointment has not worked. Graham Taylor asked to be judged over a certain time period which has now expired and we languish just above relegation having been falsely seduced with hope by tremendous victories over West Ham and Preston where as the reality is we more significantly lost to Arsenal and at home to Newcastle. Doug Ellis, what do you plan to do about it?

Financially, your direction has ensured that Aston Villa is in a relatively stable condition - we are not massively in debt and up to a point should be thankful for that. Right now, this article is not going to delve into the details of Aston Villa's finances, (the innappropriate distribution of dividends, the Trinity Road stand and transfers etc, etc), but concentrate on the big picture. Doug Ellis, your leadership should not dictate a choice between financial solvency (debt avoidance) or success on the pitch; rather it is your job to accomplish both, not one or the other.

Your job is to bring success to Aston Villa while at the same time practising fiscal responsibility.
As for Aston Villa's assets, you need to protect them. Darius Vassell's contract not being signed and persistent rumors about Gareth Barry leaving are only the latest episodes in the long running saga which has seen many key assets leave Aston Villa over the years. Yorke, Southgate, Ehiogu, Boateng and James - internationals all - have left to fullfill their ambitions while only you have been in charge.

Your job is to create a football club and an environment which enables such players to accomplish their goals with Aston Villa.
So, Doug Ellis, Aston Villa's current poor Premiership position, financial conservatism and erosion of Aston Villa's asset (player) base because of a lack of ambition have all occurred under your leadership while Aston Villa has consistently under achieved. You are responsible and accountable. At the very least, Aston Villa's fans are deserving of credible statements from you to address these issues, but really the time is now right for you to step aside and allow dynamic leaderhip to untap the potential that is Aston Villa.

Thank you.
David Young

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Mandrill
Thats what I have read somewhere.Checking Planetfootball they quote us as paying £4.8mil for him.I can't belive we would pay that much up front.

It's a crazy world :nuts:

[Mandrill]

Also Taylor has come out and said he wouldent consider loaning Crouch out :brickwall

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Mandrill
Also Taylor has come out and said he wouldent consider loaning Crouch out :brickwall

I think that he would sell him though IF we could get our money back :brickwall

[Pisces Iscariot]

That statement should have looked like this.

Originally posted by Euripedes
I think that he would sell him though IF we could get our money back :brickwall :lol: ;)

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Pisces Iscariot
That statement should have looked like this.

:lol: ;)

He's staying where he is then ..:oh-hum:

[Mandrill]

Originally posted by Euripedes
He's staying where he is then ..:oh-hum:

:mad: :brickwall

It's so frustrating we are not that far away from a good team I just hope we get someone in during the transfer window.

As for Crouch well he has scored 2 goals better than Balaban :brickwall :brickwall

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Mandrill
:mad: :brickwall

It's so frustrating we are not that far away from a good team I just hope we get someone in during the transfer window.

As for Crouch well he has scored 2 goals better than Balaban :brickwall :brickwall

But played a lot more games

[Mandrill]

Originally posted by Euripedes
But played a lot more games

Well either way it looks like £11mil down the crapper right now :brickwall

[Euripedes]

Some good news from Villa Park for a change :

From the Official *****:

Stefan Moore today put pen-to-paper on a new long-term Villa deal and then set his sights on a rapid return to the Premiership stage.

The 19-year-old striker has been sidelined since early November with a knee injury, but hopes to be back in action over the hectic Christmas period.

And, with his future now resolved, Moore admits he cannot wait to be back in the first-team set-up, gunning for Premiership goals.

He told www.avfc.co.uk: “I’m happy to sort out my future. My contract ran out at the end of this season, so I’m happy to get it all sorted out and I can get back to playing for Aston Villa now.

“I just want to play for Villa now, get a few games under my belt and score a few goals. “There’s some good young players at Aston Villa and they’re all signing new deals, so the future looks great.”

Moore added: “The injury is coming along well. I should be back playing again in the next two or three weeks. I just want to get back out on the pitch playing football.

“The Charlton goal was the ultimate. Being a Villa boy that was just an unbelievable feeling for me. Scoring for the first-team was just a massive, massive feeling. I want to experience that again.”

[Mandrill]

Just need to get Vassell's contract sorted now.

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Mandrill
Just need to get Vassell's contract sorted now.

:thumbs:

[Davester]

Big one tomorrow :D Looking forward to it but a bit concerned that Stan is back and fit. Roberts is especially effective away where there is lots of green space to run in so fingers crossed he has an off day! Hopefully GT will start with Angel and Vassell, but I think 'deadly' dion will be chose :brickwall


Anyway, whoever plays it'll be 3-0 Villa

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Davester
Big one tomorrow :D Looking forward to it but a bit concerned that Stan is back and fit. Roberts is especially effective away where there is lots of green space to run in so fingers crossed he has an off day! Hopefully GT will start with Angel and Vassell, but I think 'deadly' dion will be chose :brickwall


Anyway, whoever plays it'll be 3-0 Villa


Yep ... this is a big one for me ... Being a proud Black Country Villain, I hate these buggers and nothing will be make me more happy to give the Carrier Baggies a good stuffing.


Who cares about the B-Looze ... this is the BIG ONE

[Davester]

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just back! Good performance. The carrier bags are a bunch of cheating thugs (dichio = edited. he got your chest not your head). the better team won. Dublin was too wasteful (again) and Johnsen had a good game. Leo is well past it as is hendrie, but darius was awesome!

Up the villa! To the pub (later)

Take a read of the T&Cs (http://www.thedvdforums.com) again especially the part relating to swearing

[Euripedes]

darius was awesome!

Up the villa! To the pub (later)




Seconded ...

Praise be to the German Hammer ... that is the best goal scored for the Villa in the last 5 years or so ...

...




:notworthy :notworthy :notworthy :notworthy :notworthy

[Mozza]

I have been to just about every home game this season and I have to say that it was the most painful game I have had to watch. For the first 20mins Villa were on fire and it was looking good for a 4-0 win. Villa scored and then what the hell happened?! They changed their whole style of play and spent most of the remainder of the game struggling to get any possession. I honestly don't think we deserved to win and tbh I would have been relieved it we had come away with a draw.

On a plus note, what an atmosphere after the second Villa goal! First time I have ever been hugged by a total stranger! :eek: The Holte End didn't want to leave...there are probably still some fans standing there singing as I write this!

[wozwebs]

Agree with Mozza. First 20 minutes we looked awesome, scored then let them back in it. Scoreline will paper over the cracks to be honest as the performance on the whole wasn't the best.

However.... We beat the Baggiescum so I ain't bothered!!!

:clap: :clap:

Just think I almost dropped Tommy from my Dream Team in October as he hadn't been playing but something told me to keep him in!! I don't think he knows how to score a tap in!!

Atmosphere was best for years. Can't wait til 3rd March when we slaughter the B-Lose

Just one question why have we been the last team featured on ITV's crapy Premiership for the past 3 weeks running??

[Mandrill]

Originally posted by wozwebs

Just one question why have we been the last team featured on ITV's crapy Premiership for the past 3 weeks running??

You would have throught we would have got more than the final 2 minutes seeing as it was a Derby game :brickwall :brickwall

:mad: Premiership my ass :mad:

[Mozza]

We will probably have to wait until we play the Man U / Arsenal games before we get a decent slot. :( How frustrated do I get having to watch the man utd games week in, week out!! I wish The Premiership could be regionalised somehow.

[Mandrill]

Originally posted by Mozza
We will probably have to wait until we play the Man U / Arsenal games before we get a decent slot. :( How frustrated do I get having to watch the man utd games week in, week out!! I wish The Premiership could be regionalised somehow.

But then the Man u fans wouldent get to see them play :p

We are a main game next week when we play Chelsea.

[Mozza]

edit edit edit!!! ;)

[Davester]

The reaction to teh second goal was amazing. Everyone (even in the trinity and doug) was jumping around!

The premiership program is limited to the top 4. it was a derby ffs!

UP THE VILLA :clap:

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by wozwebs
Agree with Mozza. First 20 minutes we looked awesome, scored then let them back in it. Scoreline will paper over the cracks to be honest as the performance on the whole wasn't the best.

However.... We beat the Baggiescum so I ain't bothered!!!

:clap: :clap:

Just think I almost dropped Tommy from my Dream Team in October as he hadn't been playing but something told me to keep him in!! I don't think he knows how to score a tap in!!

Atmosphere was best for years. Can't wait til 3rd March when we slaughter the B-Lose

Just one question why have we been the last team featured on ITV's crapy Premiership for the past 3 weeks running??

Saw your post and Mr Mandrills on the H&V website and I couldn't agree more. MOTD was biased, but this pile of **** is even worse.

It's getting rather tedious that the big three are ALWAYS shown first. I thought that Sky was bad enough, but ITV stink as far as football coveragre goes.


BTW ... PRAISE BE TO TOMMYS HAMMER !!
:notworthy

[Mandrill]

Some reports Angl really wants out in the transfer window.:(

Can't blame him playing second fiddle to Dublin all the time I wouldent be too happy either.Dublin from all reports missed a few chances and I think he should be rested against Liverpool in the cup.

The Alpay situation has become a joke.He has refused to play in the reserves, how does he expect to get a new club with that attidude.Some people have complained that GT should'ent have said anything to the press but he has proberly been asked about Alpay not being in the squad and has given an honest answer.

With Mellberg's niggly injury and Stan's suspension we could have done with him being ready for action to cover the gaps.Good riddens to him I say now :mad:

But Crouch is on the comeback from his recent injury so it's not all bad news :nuts:

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Mandrill

But Crouch is on the comeback from his recent injury so it's not all bad news :nuts:

Don't start me on that one ...

As for JPA .. Taylor doesn't rate him, Christ knows why and I hope for his sake that he finds the right club to move onto. :(

[Mandrill]

Originally posted by Euripedes
Don't start me on that one ...



Well his cousin post's on here now so be nice :nono: ;)

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Mandrill
Well his cousin post's on here now so be nice :nono: ;)

Who's that then ?

[kjn6371]

jc.2001 is Crouch's cousin,he posted in the Ugly footballer thread.Personally I would have been too embarrassed and kept quiet.

[Mandrill]

Originally posted by kjn6371
jc.2001 is Crouch's cousin,he posted in the Ugly footballer thread.Personally I would have been too embarrassed and kept quiet.

:lol:

[ffc]

Originally posted by Euripedes
Saw your post and Mr Mandrills on the H&V website and I couldn't agree more. MOTD was biased, but this pile of **** is even worse.

It's getting rather tedious that the big three are ALWAYS shown first. I thought that Sky was bad enough, but ITV stink as far as football coveragre goes.


BTW ... PRAISE BE TO TOMMYS HAMMER !!
:notworthy

I find it suits me to only have 30 seconds of us losing to other crummy teams.:D

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by ffc
I find it suits me to only have 30 seconds of us losing to other crummy teams.:D

:lol:


jc.2001 is Crouch's cousin,he posted in the Ugly footballer thread


:lol: :lol:

How do you know this ??? I am sure that I mentioned Crouch for my vote ... ( sorry Pete .. I ain't no oil painting myself)

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Euripedes
I think that Peter Crouch has to be our ugliest player in the present Squad.


:brickwall :brickwall

Please remove foot from mouth slowly

[Mandrill]

Originally posted by Euripedes
:brickwall :brickwall

Please remove foot from mouth slowly

:lol: :nuts:

[Mozza]

Maybe I will e-mail jc.2001 privately and get him to pass a message on for me because I don't think his cousin can quite hear me when I yell at him from the Holte! :D

[Mandrill]

Originally posted by Mozza
Maybe I will e-mail jc.2001 privately and get him to pass a message on for me because I don't think his cousin can quite hear me when I yell at him from the Holte! :D

:nono:



















:D

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Mozza
Maybe I will e-mail jc.2001 privately and get him to pass a message on for me because I don't think his cousin can quite hear me when I yell at him from the Holte! :D

How have you done that ... I never see him :lol:

Tell me this .. I've just brought my 7 year old son a season ticket today ...

Does this count as child abuse ?????
:D

[Mandrill]

Only if you are making him sit in the Doug Ellis stand :D

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Mandrill
Only if you are making him sit in the Doug Ellis stand :D

You mean the " Witton Lane Stand "
:rolleyes:

:D

[Mandrill]

Originally posted by Euripedes
You mean the " Witton Lane Stand "
:rolleyes:

:D

:brickwall Yeah how stupid of me :brickwall

[Davester]

:(

my throat hurts

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Davester
:(

my throat hurts

WTF happenned last night ... I never went as I was on a works Xmas doo, but someone texted a mate of mine and was saying the game was still going on at 23.00 ..:nuts:

The proverbial in a brewery by the sounds of it.

[Euripedes]

Pinched this little gem from the H&V website:


John
I agree 100% with what you say, the man was a complete embaressment on Sky last night.

I really can't believe that 17,000 all turned up en masse at 7.30. I was cringing in my seat when asked by the Sky reporter when the match would start "oh in about 5 mins time" and when she reminded him that the ref needed 20 mins notice the reply was "yes i know".

Time to go Doug NOW


Its 34 years this week that he became chairman of our club.

[Mandrill]

Originally posted by Euripedes
Pinched this little gem from the H&V website:



Its 34 years this week that he became chairman of our club.

The guy is a joke :brickwall :brickwall

Everytime he speaks he embarresses the club :mad:

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Mandrill
The guy is a joke :brickwall :brickwall

Everytime he speaks he embarresses the club :mad:

I thought that Ansell had become his mouth peice.

Mini- Ellis

[Mandrill]

So did I but come the big game on TV and he was back out to show his smug face :brickwall :brickwall

GT says today he was wrong to drop Crouch earlier in the season

In hindsight he wishes that he had left Crouch in the side when he said: "People say you should never have any regrets which is silly, because that means you would do everything right.
"I happen to believe that in Peter Crouch Aston Villa have a player who will be a tremendous asset. His feet are quick and when he does miss chances people will have a go at him because of his height.
"We went to Bolton after the Manchester City game and for the first time I saw a lack of confidence in him. I had not seen that before. I have to say I took him out of that side and when I look back I regret it.
"I think I took that decision too early and too soon. Managers don't get everything right and I do wish that I had stuck that little bit longer with Peter. He has admitted that at the Bolton game it did get to him and he did lose some confidence."


Will Angel ever start a game again :brickwall

At least Hadji got agame last night and played pretty well.Leo was busy but ineffective DelaCruz played like Alan Wright and Hendrie got **** on by Gerard.We missed Boateng last night or someone like him to keep a grip on Gerard

[Euripedes]

The Supporters Trust have issues the following :

Ticketing Fiasco Lesson not learnt by AVFC
The Aston Villa Supporters Trust today joined the ranks of those critical of the club’s arrangements for last night’s quarter-final cup tie with Liverpool.

"With the unhappy experience of previously unforeseen ticketing problems for cup ties – I’m thinking particularly of the Intertoto Cup of 2001 – it is disappointing to find the club once again embarrassed by events", commented David Evans, the Trust’s Chairman. "Like the Intertoto debacle, tickets last night were at a concessionary rate, and this was bound to increase the numbers likely to want to attend".

The Supporters Trust has been critical of Aston Villa’s operational capabilities for some while now, and have had a number of meetings with the club over issues as diverse as ticketing, catering and stadium stewarding. "In an era where customer service and visit-satisfaction are high on people’s priority-list, the club continues to offer only mediocre operational service to its fans and stakeholders. Maybe this is a reflection of the lack of in-depth, diverse business experience and the absence of a supporter-representative on the Board, both key issues for the Trust," said Evans.

END

[wozwebs]

Ellis - please go now. You are getting more and more senile with every interview.

Old fool!!!

[Mandrill]

Claire Thomlinson:When iwill the game start.

Ellis :In 5 minutes

Claire Thomlinson:But the police have to give a 20 minute warning before the game can start

Ellis:erm I know

:nuts: :brickwall :brickwall :brickwall :mad:

[Euripedes]

Was he wearing that Stupid Santa hat last night :rolleyes:

[Mandrill]

No thank god :nono:

The guy is an embarresment :mad:

[Euripedes]

Cop a load of this frm the Daily Record.

FOOTBALL: TURK THAT Dec 20 2002



Alpay fights with Angel in training ground row they are no angels

John Gardner

TURKISH outcast Alpay has been involved in a punch-up with Aston Villa team-mate Juan Pablo Angel.

Villa's senior players are refusing to let Alpay be picked for Premiership action becasue they so resent the £5.7million defender's bad attitude.

That resentment boiled over yesterday as blows were exchanged.

Villa boss Graham Taylor, under fresh pressure after his injury-hit team's 4- 3 home dismissal from the Worthington Cup by Liverpool, declined to confirm or deny the training ground fight.

But one dressing room source said last night: "It was quite a fracas, when a challenge for the ball turned into something quite nasty.

"Blows were swapped between Alpay and Juan Pablo before the pair of them were pulled apart.

"To put it quite simply, the rest of the lads don't want to be named on the same team sheet as Alpay. He is picking up his wages, but all he does in exchange for the money is train.

"The others are busy trying to push Villa up the table towards a more respectable position without his assistance. So it is no surprise that they don't fancy Alpay's unco-operative stance one little bit."

Taylor would have every incentive to persuade Alpay to cut short what is little more than a strike for tomorrow's tough trip to title-chasing Chelsea.

Steve Staunton was unable to face Liverpool due to ankle trouble and Ronny Johnsen damaged a hamstring during the first warm-up for the quarter- final tie, delayed by 80 minutes due to crowd congestion outside the stadium.

Taylor said: "In addition, Olof Mellberg continues to nurse an Achilles tendon and Mark Delaney, one obvious replacement, won't be available until early January.

"But I have to be strong in a situation like this, and unless there is a considerable change of heart - both by Alpay and myself - I don't think he will be considered for Stamford Bridge. 'm not going to get into the business of whether he is actually refusing to play, or whether other people are refusing to play with him.

It would not help matters if I began to discuss such subjects in public.

"But it must also be remembered that Alpay slapped in a transfer request not too long ago and he is always telling me that some club or other will come in to sign him when the transfer window re-opens .

"As I have pointed out before, Villa have absolutely no evidence that this will be the case. But if somebody turns up brandishing the right fee in exchange for Alpay's signature, I guess we will wave him goodbye."

Alpay, 29, returned from helping his country claim third spot at the World Cup final demanding a hefty pay rise from Villa. There was talk of his £20,000-a-week salary being doubled as part of an extended deal.

But that idea was swiftly scuppered by cash-conscious chairman Doug Ellis, leading to what can only be described as a prolonged sulk by Alpay, who has started just four Premier League games this season.

Taylor added: "My main concern is how we can win our first away match, either at Chelsea or against Manchester City on Boxing Day. That is far more important.

"The fact is no side ever takes maximum points from home fixtures, so you need to compensate by gaining a fair share on your travels. But we haven't, which explains why we are too near the bottom of the table for comfort at the moment."

[Mandrill]

Go Angel I say :shocker:

Jesus just when you think the PR of the club can't sink any lower :mad:

Alpay is a complete tosser in my book now and I'd just give the edited away now rather than pay his wages.I'd love to know who he thinks will buy him.

Please don't swear in your posts

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Mandrill
Go Angel I say :shocker:

Jesus just when you think the PR of the club can't sink any lower :mad:
Alpay is a complete tosser in my book now and I'd just give the edited away now rather than pay his wages.I'd love to know who he thinks will buy him.


I always thought that Alpay was a popular member of the squad.
Obviously things have got so bad that it's come to this ..

[Mandrill]

Well it seems he has come back from the W.C cup with a huge ego.To me seems his agent is telling him how great he is and all these big clubs want him it's not gona happen with the way he has behaved.
Rumor I read is that Sunderland are gona offer £1mil for him

Also he hasnt actually played a decent game for Villa for over a year now.

Alan B sorry bout the swearing :)

[Davester]

Steve Stone has moved to Pompy :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :thumbs:

[Euripedes]

Can he take Kinsella with him ??

[Davester]

Originally posted by Euripedes
Can he take Kinsella with him ?? and Hendrie and Wright and hassan..............no even Harry is THAT stupid.

[pompeyfan]

Wouldn't say no to Hendrie or Wright - but a scummer reject?:nono:

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by pompeyfan
Wouldn't say no to Hendrie or Wright - but a scummer reject?:nono:

We'll keep Hendrie, but Wrighty would be another good signing for you ..

[Davester]

Originally posted by Euripedes
We'll keep Hendrie, but Wrighty would be another good signing for you .. Hendrie has had long enough to prove that he is good enough and he quite obviously is not. perhaps he could do a job on the left with hagi on the right but ideally we need someone to cover for tommy. hendrie shirked every tackle on wednesday night

[Euripedes]

From all accounts we were terrible again today ... what's with the away form ... something like 2 goals scored away from home this year ...

Why the hell does he persist with Leonardshen

:confused:

[Davester]

The team has fundamental problems.

Barry, Enks, Melberg, Hitz, Vassell and Angel are very good players and would make almost all premiership teams.

Staunton. Samuel, Hendrie, Kinsella, Leonhardson, Dublin are not

Allback, Hagi and a few others need a chance.

we need a combative midfielder to help hitz, a decent cb to help melberg, a fit Delaney.

Also where has the £5m we had for Hollan gone? I know Mark Ansell is overpaid byt wtf.

[Mandrill]

Originally posted by Davester
The team has fundamental problems.

Barry, Enks, Melberg, Hitz, Vassell and Angel are very good players and would make almost all premiership teams.

Staunton. Samuel, Hendrie, Kinsella, Leonhardson, Dublin are not

Allback, Hagi and a few others need a chance.

we need a combative midfielder to help hitz, a decent cb to help melberg, a fit Delaney.

Also where has the £5m we had for Hollan gone? I know Mark Ansell is overpaid byt wtf.

I would get Dublin and Staunton out the team straight away.Stan is only in the team because Johnson keeps getting injured but Dublin jebus just play Angel for god's sake man :mad:

[Davester]

what about Hendrie?

Personally I think that he has more chances than he should have been given. He has never done it consistently, and in recent times even his best performances have been poor. He is too lightweight and I feel that with the Hammer in the middle we need a Boatang esque player there.

BTW, is it true the story about Ismay's joke driving Boatang away (or was it an excuse to leave).

[Mandrill]

Originally posted by Davester
what about Hendrie?

Personally I think that he has more chances than he should have been given. He has never done it consistently, and in recent times even his best performances have been poor. He is too lightweight and I feel that with the Hammer in the middle we need a Boatang esque player there.

BTW, is it true the story about Ismay's joke driving Boatang away (or was it an excuse to leave).

Hendrie did alright today according to big Ron.A little lightweight but he has skill and he his a far better option than bloody Leo and Kinsella.

Boateng never said why he wanted to leave but he denied it was the Ismay joke.Yes we miss some of his toughness but he needed to be replaced IMO anyway.I say the Ismay joke didnt help but I think he was a JG man and wasnt happy when he left

From the hi lights our best chances came through Hadji and I hope he keeps his place.Angel needs a chance Dublin is not up to it

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Davester
what about Hendrie?

BTW, is it true the story about Ismay's joke driving Boatang away (or was it an excuse to leave).

Dave Dismay's joke was a smoke screen. He wanted to leave as he was tapped up by Boro other former Villains.

And was sold on the fact that they have more ambition.

I would leave Samuel in the team ... he is developing into a quality full back, just needs to improve on his consistency.

[Davester]

I agree that Boatang needed replacing. I told anyone who would listen that that was the case but we haven't replaced him. With all the will in the world Taylor is not fit enough or fast enough anymore.

Hendrie could do a job on the flank but no in teh centre. TOo lightweight, shirts to many challenges, and we get caught out too much by breaks when he is around. Plus, you are taking Big Ron's advice :nuts:

Leo and Kinsella are are joke. Nationwide at best.

Angel needs a chance. Everyone bar Taylor seems to see this.

[Euripedes]

Just watched the arsemanpool show and Hadji looked like he had a good game ... hope he keeps this going

[Davester]

Originally posted by Euripedes
Just watched the arsemanpool show and Hadji looked like he had a good game ... hope he keeps this going He has something to fight for. Plus he is a good player with some invention, which we miss.

[Mandrill]

He would be better on the right.

I would have played Delacruz RB Samual LB Barry LM and Hadji RM.

Just so players were in there prefered poition's.A left footer at RB and a right footer at LM isnt the way for me

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Mandrill
He would be better on the right.

I would have played Delacruz RB Samual LB Barry LM and Hadji RM.

Just so players were in there prefered poition's.A left footer at RB and a right footer at LM isnt the way for me

How obvious is that .. however we keep playing bloody Leo on the right WTF .... does my head in.

[Mandrill]

I have to point out I dont think much of DeLaCruz but having Hadji and Barry on the wings and Samaul at leftback with DeLaCruz at RB is a better compromise than what we did today.

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Mandrill
I have to point out I dont think much of DeLaCruz but having Hadji and Barry on the wings and Samaul at leftback with DeLaCruz at RB is a better compromise than what we did today.

I'd rather keep Usless as far away from the First Team as possible

[Big Sy]

Originally posted by Mandrill
Claire Thomlinson:When iwill the game start.

Ellis :In 5 minutes

Claire Thomlinson:But the police have to give a 20 minute warning before the game can start

Ellis:erm I know

:nuts: :brickwall :brickwall :brickwall :mad:

Sorry but just read this and I was :lol:

It just shows what an arrogant cretin Ellis really is.

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Big Sy
Sorry but just read this and I was :lol:

It just shows what an arrogant cretin Ellis really is.

Big Sy ... You know it matey and you are a Wolves fan ... what we we would give for Sir Jack

[Davester]

MERRY CHRISTMAS FELLOW TRAVELLERS! UP THE VILLA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Davester]

Jingle bells,
Brucie smells,
Stonie flew away :clap:
how much fun it is to be beat teh baggies on a saturday,

Jingle bells,
Graham yells,
ollie is the man,
Alpay lost his rattle on his world cup holiday

dashing through league, backwards we seem to go
over the baggies we go, laughing all the way
bells on ismay ring, boatang wants a fight
what fun it is to ride the villa slay tonight

Jingle bells,
holte yells,
come on the villa boys,
in your claret and blue

20 years ago, european kings we were,
rimmer, withe and mortimer, beating bayern away
now we have a relegation battle to play,
what fun it is to ride the villa slay tonight


a bit depressing but hey!

[Mandrill]

:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Davester
MERRY CHRISTMAS FELLOW TRAVELLERS! UP THE VILLA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And to you and the fellow Villains on here.

:notworthy :notworthy

[Euripedes]

Thought you might find this interesting:

From icbirmingham 24.12.02


Rival Villa, Blues and Albion supporters are uniting to take on TV bosses over the lack of coverage of the Midlands' Premiership clubs.

Fans are burying their differences because their teams are given less coverage by ITV than "glamorous" Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea.

Villa season ticket holder John Elliott is among the fans organising the campaign through the Heroes and Villains website.

He said: "I would urge all fans to write to ITV, The FA and their clubs. That includes Albion and Blues fans. As a region we are all suffering."

His views are shared by Albion fan Danny Sanderson, of Tipton, who said Albion were no longer even featured on the credits to ITV's flagship football programme.

"It is time ITV looked at making a regional soccer programme once again now there are three Midland clubs in the Premiership," he said.

ITV's Controller of Sport for Carlton, Gary Newbon, and Evening Mail columnist, said today: "The Premiership is a national highlights programme.

"I admire the passion of Midland fans, but Everton fans feel the same and they are fourth! There is no bias."


Always thought Newbon was a knob head

[Davester]

Today's Game:

Glad I couldn't get up there because it is UNACCEPTABLE. We should be beating teams like Man City. Our starting line up was the best of what we have fit (even with a fully fit squad there are major weaknesses in key positions). What we would give for Marc Foe. A box to box player with a good engine, a few goals, good in he air, and not bad on the ground.

MOTD Tonight:

Manu, lpool, arsen

Newbon is lying.

[Davester]

Looks like Leo is injured. Perhaps we'll have 11 on the pitch next match :noid:

Wonder how much he is on?

[JCL]

Should you be beating teams like Manchester City? :confused:

As an outsider looking in I would say the two clubs are on a similar level.

The best Villa could ever hope for IMO is a European spot. You will certainly not be in the running for the Championship anytime soon.

As for The Premiership - it's all about the ratings. Liverpool (for some unknown reason because they're bloody boring!), Arsenal and Manchester United deliver the highest audience figures. If ITV1 put Villa vs West Brom on as the first match the ratings for the show would fall. I'm not saying I agree with but that's a fact.

You can always tune into Goals on Sunday if you want more extended highlights. :)

[keoma]

Originally posted by JCL
Should you be beating teams like Manchester City? :confused:


Well said that man.
I'm a City fan and I'd be the first to admit that we've got a lot of catching up to do but I think we've got more to look forward to
than a good few teams (Villa included) in the Premiership.

Despite his recent goals Foe still hasn't won the City fans over (and is only on loan).

I'd have been happy with a draw today . :clap:

[Ono]

It's gonna be a desperate New Year for us Villa fans. :(

Maybe a trip down to the Nationwide would do us good and get Ellis out.

[Davester]

Originally posted by keoma
Well said that man.
I'm a City fan and I'd be the first to admit that we've got a lot of catching up to do but I think we've got more to look forward to
than a good few teams (Villa included) in the Premiership.

Despite his recent goals Foe still hasn't won the City fans over (and is only on loan).

I'd have been happy with a draw today . :clap: I disagree. I think you are a yoyo club at best and if you want to move on Keegan is not the man (and neither is Anelka). You beat us today but we'll live to fight another day. For the last 20 years we have survived serverly help back by the board. At least GT is starting to get rid of some of the deadwood, and although he is not picking our best team in my opinion, we have lost some of the freeloaders and he is going with youth.

Sack the board

[Mandrill]

Originally posted by Ono
It's gonna be a desperate New Year for us Villa fans. :(

Maybe a trip down to the Nationwide would do us good and get Ellis out.

We would go under it that happened.Remember the NTL on thie shirts and the new Stand ,that came from a £15mil loan from NTL which will be paid back in shares in a few years......unless we get relegated then we have to give them the £15mil back.There is a clause in the loan.

We are in the crap and if we went down we would end up like Derby ,Bradford etc,,, broke and selling are best players

[Davester]

Originally posted by Mandrill
We would go under it that happened.Remember the NTL on thie shirts and the new Stand ,that came from a £15mil loan from NTL which will be paid back in shares in a few years......unless we get relegated then we have to give them the £15mil back.There is a clause in the loan.

We are in the crap and if we went down we would end up like Derby ,Bradford etc,,, broke and selling are best players We'd be boned. Wonder if ellis would cut his wage :oh-hum:

BTW, guys have a few queries,
1. isn't it time we did up the heath (now called the slum)
2. do you think people are staying away because of ellis?

[Pisces Iscariot]

Originally posted by Davester
Wonder if ellis would cut his wage :oh-hum:
I'm sure he would......... :lol:

[Davester]

Originally posted by Pisces Iscariot
I'm sure he would......... :lol: He'd probably give himself a bonus.More games = potentially more tickets sold :nuts:

[Davester]

Anyone going on sat? I am. We could be in trouble if we don't get anything from the next two games :(

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Pisces Iscariot
I'm sure he would......... :lol:

Is the Pope Catholic ... of course he would :rolleyes:

[Davester]

You know Eur, I think we could actually go down. I feel sick.

[Mandrill]

We could easily go down I can't see us beating Boro Saturday.Our only hope is that Ellis can see we are in the crap and gives us money to spend just on the basis his ego couldent take us being releagted as he wouldent get on TV as much:mad: :(

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Mandrill
We could easily go down I can't see us beating Boro Saturday.Our only hope is that Ellis can see we are in the crap and gives us money to spend just on the basis his ego couldent take us being releagted as he wouldent get on TV as much:mad: :(

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
:eek:

[Euripedes]

I brought my son a half season ticket and gave it to him yesterday. He was made up big time, says it's the best present he ever had ...

Have I led him to a life time of oblivion ???

:(

[Pisces Iscariot]

Does anyone know the number of Social Services in Dudley or should I just phone the NSPCC? :lol:

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Pisces Iscariot
Does anyone know the number of Social Services in Dudley or should I just phone the NSPCC? :lol:

I've rung both .. they're not interested ... told me I should know better.

[Mandrill]

Originally posted by Euripedes
I brought my son a half season ticket and gave it to him yesterday. He was made up big time, says it's the best present he ever had ...

Have I led him to a life time of oblivion ???

:(

Well you should give him your x-box its only fair ;)

Imagine Ellis in the nationwide he wouldent be able to talk about the preeeeeeeeeeeeiership anymore.:p

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Mandrill
Well you should give him your x-box its only fair ;)

Imagine Ellis in the nationwide he wouldent be able to talk about the preeeeeeeeeeeeiership anymore.:p

I brought him a Game Cube to keep him away from MY X-Box

[Davester]

Apparently our pnly fit CB for tomorrow is Alpay :brickwall

Oh, and why doesn't GT give Hassan a chance to shore up the midfield :brickwall

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Davester
Apparently our pnly fit CB for tomorrow is Alpay :brickwall

Oh, and why doesn't GT give Hassan a chance to shore up the midfield :brickwall

He won't let Alpay play ... Ridgewell will get his chance I think

[Davester]

TBH I don't think anyone knows what is going on with Alpay from what I have read, but I am not sure why Hassan is not given a chance because our midfield is too lightweight

[Euripedes]

According to JCL he's better off as a TV Star

[Euripedes]

Bah Humbug

:mad:

[Mozza]

I'm not sure why Hassan isn't getting a game either. I have watched him in the Reserves and he works hard. I hope that the midfield situation is sorted out this month. Oh how I miss Merson. :(

Davester, I'll be there on Sat. Where are you sitting?

[Davester]

In the Witton/Doug.

Haven't got a Bolton ticket yet so may pick one up for the Holte for that one. Where are you Mozza?

[Mozza]

Get yourself up into the Holte Upper and make some noise with me!! ;) The WBA game was worth the ticket price just to see the Doug Ellis Stand become animated! ;)

[Mozza]

Oops

[Davester]

Originally posted by Mozza
Get yourself up into the Holte Upper and make some noise with me!! ;) The WBA game was worth the ticket price just to see the Doug Ellis Stand become animated! ;) I do miss the atmosphere in the DOug, but I usually go with my dad (who also buys the tickets - poor student) and he likes to see the game. I usually shout a fair bit but the WBA game was nuts for teh Doug! I couldn't get a decent seat there for the Blues game but I am there for manu the week after.Well, enjoy teh game

UP THE VILLA AND LETS WIN!!

[Euripedes]

Upper Holte.
Row 5
seat 117 .. I thnk .. it's right behind the goal ..

It's my sons first game with his own ticket 2mo .... what the hell have I let him in for ?????

[Davester]

You'll never guess who I saw off his face in the pub last night :)

[JCL]

Alastair Coholic?

[Davester]

Originally posted by JCL
Alastair Coholic? No. And not me either

[JCL]

Doug Ellis
Peter Withe
Gordon Cowans
Mark Walters
Graham Taylor
Ian Ormondroyd
Lee Hendrie
Hassan Kachloul
Mark Bosnich (has to be surely??! :D)

????????????

[Davester]

Steve Staunton

[JCL]

Nice to see him looking after himself. I wonder if players get themselves suspended on purpose so they can go out and get pished?! :D

[Davester]

Not as bad a stoney who used to live there!
Well he was there a lot

[Davester]

Not bad today, although we should have scored more! Finally Angel played but again too much dead wood - Dublin, kinsella, wright (ihope he isn't back for good), Useless De la cruz.

Tommy did well today, as well as Ollie, Angel and Barry (for England!). We must not loose these guys. Shame that Hagi got injured :(

Nice to see ego and southgate go home with tale between legs :D

[Mozza]

I spoke to Doug Ellis after the match, (honestly!), and asked if he was going to open his wallet on Wednesday. The word from the horse's mouth was "wait and see". I won't be holding my breath! ;)

[Davester]

Originally posted by Mozza
I spoke to Doug Ellis after the match, (honestly!), and asked if he was going to open his wallet on Wednesday. The word from the horse's mouth was "wait and see". I won't be holding my breath! ;) Wait and see! Nice one doug. Bet we spend F all and loose a couple of players :mad:

[Davester]

From avfc website

Chairman Doug Ellis's Statement to the 2002 AGM

BEFORE MOVING TO THE FORMAL BUSINESS OF THE MEETING I WOULD LIKE AN OPPORTUNITY TO BRIEFLY REVIEW THE PAST YEAR.

YOU WILL ALL HAVE RECEIVED THE REPORT & ACCOUNTS AND I HOPE THAT YOU WELCOMED THE EXPANDED FORMAT WHICH WAS INTENDED TO BRIEF YOU MORE FULLY ON OUR CLUB.

YOU WILL SEE FROM THE ACCOUNTS THAT OUR TURNOVER ROSE BY 19% BUT THIS WAS VIRTUALLY ABSORBED BY AN INCREASE IN PLAYERS’ SALARIES.

FURTHERMORE, THE COST OF THE SQUAD HAS RISEN IN RECENT YEARS AND ‘AMORTISATION’ HAS INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN THE YEAR FROM £11M TO £14M AND THEREFORE ACCOUNTS FOR THE INCREASE IN NET LOSS BEFORE PLAYER SALES OF £9.5M, AS COMPARED TO £6.4M IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR. HOWEVER, TRANSFER PROFITS HAVE ALL BUT CANCELLED THOSE LOSSES LEAVING A LOSS BEFORE TAX OF £400,000 IN 2002 COMPARED TO A PROFIT IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR OF £100,000.

(TOTAL PLAYER PURCHASES £86M)
(TOTAL PLAYER SALES £55M)

IN COMMERCIAL TERMS, EACH AREA OF THE BUSINESS HAS GENERATED ADDITIONAL TURNOVER WITH THE EXCEPTION OF REPLICA KIT SALES WHICH MIRRORS A SITUATION COMMON TO MANY OTHER CLUBS.

I WAS, HOWEVER, PARTICULARLY PLEASED TO SEE THAT THE INITIATIVES WHICH WE INTRODUCED TO ENCOURAGE MORE SUPPORTERS TO VILLA PARK RESULTED IN A 10% INCREASE IN AVERAGE GATES FOR LAST SEASON AND SEASON TICKETS THIS YEAR HAVE SHOWN A SIMILAR INCREASE. THIS IS PARTLY DUE TO THERE BEING NO INCREASE IN THE PRICE OF SEASON TICKETS DURING THE PAST 4 SEASONS.

I NOW MOVE TO THE QUESTION OF DIVIDENDS WHICH I KNOW HAS NOT MET WITH THE APPROVAL OF SOME SUPPORTERS. THE DECISION TO PAY A DIVIDEND WAS NOT ILL CONSIDERED AND WE CONSULTED WIDELY, INCLUDING OUR BROKERS AND INSTITUTIONS. THE LEVEL OF DIVIDEND IS A FRACTION OF PLAYER SALARIES AND TRANSFER COSTS.

FURTHERMORE, INVESTORS PUT £20M INTO OUR SHARES FIVE YEARS AGO, AND HAVE SEEN BOTH NEGATIVE MARKET SENTIMENT TOWARDS FOOTBALL CLUBS AND ORIGINAL SHAREHOLDER SALES, DRAG DOWN OUR SHARE PRICE. THEY AND FUTURE INVESTORS LOOK FOR A DIVIDEND YIELD IN ORDER TO JUSTIFY HOLDING SHARES AND THIS, IN TURN, WILL ASSIST US IN ACHIEVING OUR AIM OF A RETURN TO A MORE REALISTIC SHARE PRICE IN THE FUTURE.

ON THE PITCH, AS I POINTED OUT IN MY CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT, WE WERE ALL DISAPPOINTED WITH AN 8TH PLACE FINISH WHICH EQUALLED THE PREVIOUS YEAR’S PERFORMANCE. THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT INCONSISTENCY COST US DEARLY IN THE LEAGUE AND THIS WAS REPEATED IN CUP COMPETITIONS.

HOWEVER, WE WERE ABLE TO CONTINUE THE PREFERRED POLICY OF DEVELOPING YOUNG PLAYERS AND I WAS GRATIFIED TO SEE THE CHANGES IN THE TEAM AT THE END OF THE SEASON WHICH SEES MORE OF OUR TALENTED YOUNGSTERS IN THE FIRST TEAM SQUAD – SUCH AS STEFAN MOORE AND HIS WONDERFUL GOAL TWO DAYS AGO AGAINST CHARLTON.

AND EVERYBODY MUST BE DELIGHTED AND PROUD THAT OUR YOUTH TEAM EXCELLED IN WINNING THE PRESTIGIOUS FA YOUTH CUP WHICH IS SEEN AMONGST THE PROFESSIONALS AS THE NUMBER ONE COMPETITION FOR YOUNG PLAYERS.

THOSE SUPPORTERS WITH LONG MEMORIES WILL RECALL THAT WE HAVE WON THE FA YOUTH CUP ON TWO PREVIOUS OCCASIONS IN 1972 AND 1980 AND THOSE TEAMS PRODUCED JAKE FINDLAY, JOHN GIDMAN, BOBBY MCDONALD, BRIAN LITTLE, RAY WALKER, PAUL BIRCH AND MARK WALTERS. THE BREEDING OF HOME GROWN TALENT HAS BEEN AN IMPORTANT AND INTEGRAL ELEMENT FOR ALL CLUBS DOWN THE YEARS BUT THE PRESENT CROP OF TALENTED AND SUCCESSFUL YOUNG PLAYERS WITHIN THE CLUB BECOMES EVEN MORE IMPORTANT IN THE PRESENT TRANSFER MARKET.

OFF THE PITCH WE HAVE MADE CONSIDERABLE STRIDES IN DEVELOPING OUR VALUABLE LAND ASSETS AND IMPROVING THE PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AT OUR TRAINING GROUND. BODYMOOR HEATH IS LOCATED IN THE GREEN BELT AND WE WERE FACED WITH A MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB IN ORDER TO GET PLANNING PERMISSION TO BUILD NEW PROFESSIONAL AND ACADEMY PREMISES TO ENSURE WE STAY AT THE FOREFRONT OF PREMIER LEAGUE FACILITIES. WE EVEN HAD TO CONTEMPLATE MOVING THE ACADEMY AWAY FROM BODYMOOR HEATH, AND IN THE MEANTIME TOOK BACK STUMPS AND REFURBISHED IT TO A HIGH STANDARD TO COMPLY WITH PREMIER LEAGUE ACADEMY REGULATIONS.

I AM THEREFORE DELIGHTED TO REPORT THAT AFTER A LENGTHY CONSULTATION AND NEGOTIATION PROCESS OVER THREE YEARS WITH NORTH WARWICKSHIRE BOROUGH COUNCIL WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE GO AHEAD TO DEVELOP A STATE OF THE ART TRAINING FACILITY AT BODYMOOR HEATH.

WE CONTINUE TO DEVELOP A STRONG WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL AND ARE AT THE LATTER STAGES OF SUBMITTING FORMAL PLANNING APPLICATIONS, ON A BASIS SUPPORTED BY THE COMMUNITY AND CITY COUNCILLORS, WHICH WOULD RESULT IN LUCRATIVE DEVELOPMENTS ON OUR 22 ACRE SIEMENS AND SERPENTINE SITES SOME 500 YARDS FROM VILLA PARK.

WE HAVE ALSO COMMISSIONED THE SECOND PHASE OF A MAJOR CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY AIMED AT IMPROVING COMMUNICATIONS WITH SUPPORTERS AND STREAMLINING THE WAYS IN WHICH WE TRANSACT AND INTERACT WITH THEM.

ON THE WIDER FRONT THE FINANCIAL PROFILE OF FOOTBALL REMAINS VERY CHALLENGING. THE THREE BIGGEST CLUBS HAVE CREATED A POWERFUL BASE ON THE BACK OF THE VERY SIGNIFICANT ADDITIONAL FUNDING AND REVENUES AVAILABLE TO THEM – BUT THAT DOES NOT MEAN THAT WE GIVE UP THE CHASE!

OUTSIDE OF THE BIG THREE, OTHER CLUBS HAVE ONLY BEEN ABLE TO COMPETE BY SPENDING MONEY THEY HAVEN’T GOT OR BY RELYING ON TRANSFER DEALINGS TO MOP UP EXCESS PLAYER SALARY AND TRANSFER COSTS. WITH THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PLAYER SALES NOT NOW AVAILABLE IT IS NOT ONLY THE NATIONWIDE LEAGUE CLUBS WHICH ARE FEELING A FINANCIAL DRAUGHT.

ON THE NEGATIVE SIDE I BELIEVE THE NEXT TWELVE MONTHS WILL CONTINUE TO BE A FINANCIAL CHALLENGE BUT ON THE POSITIVE SIDE THERE ARE SIGNS, AT LAST, OF SOME COMMON SENSE ENTERING THE MARKET PLACE IN TERMS OF THE LOWERING OF PLAYERS COSTS.

WE AT ASTON VILLA ARE RELATIVELY STRONG, NOT ONLY IN FINANCIAL TERMS, BUT ALSO IN PLAYING ASSETS AND I FEEL CONFIDENT THAT THE MIX OF EXPERIENCE AND YOUNGSTERS THAT GRAHAM HAS PUT TOGETHER, COMBINED WITH THE PLANNING FOR THE SHORT, MEDIUM AND LONGER TERM IN PLAYING AND OTHER AFFAIRS, WILL STAND THIS CLUB IN GOOD STEAD FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE.

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Mozza
I spoke to Doug Ellis after the match, (honestly!), and asked if he was going to open his wallet on Wednesday. The word from the horse's mouth was "wait and see". I won't be holding my breath! ;)

Don't be lured in ... the man is Satan

[Mandrill]

Originally posted by Euripedes
Don't be lured in ... the man is Satan

:clap: :clap: :clap:

How was the game today ?

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Mandrill
:clap: :clap: :clap:

How was the game today ?

Good in patches, especially in the first half, but we still have this problem with killing teams off with a period of pressure. Today, we should have increased the lead after we were one up, but let them off the hook.

Good 15 minutes in the 2 ND ahlf, but to Boros credit they came on stroong at the end of second half and Postma had to make a couple of decent saves.

Anyway points are all that matters at the moment ...

[Davester]

According to the Sun - APLAY for Dacourt or Batty. I'd welcome Dacourt but Batty :nuts:

[Euripedes]

Dacourt is as tempremental as Alpay ... do we need another player like that ?

[Ono]

I think Dacourt would be a good swap.

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Ono
I think Dacourt would be a good swap.

maybe so ... but I would like to see some Leeds fans comment on him.

[Davester]

Originally posted by Euripedes
Dacourt is as tempremental as Alpay ... do we need another player like that ? He has been a bit like that recently. The main concern is that he is just looking for a stop off on the way to ITaly. Also would he really come to us when Juve are allegedly looking at him?

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Davester
He has been a bit like that recently. The main concern is that he is just looking for a stop off on the way to ITaly. Also would he really come to us when Juve are allegedly looking at him?

Exactly

[Legendary]

I would swap Alpay for a decent midfielder in Italian league. There must be some quality midfielders out of favour.

I would like Edgar Davids in Villa midfield, but he should in Real Madrid dream team.

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Legendary
I would swap Alpay for a decent midfielder in Italian league. There must be some quality midfielders out of favour.

I would like Edgar Davids in Villa midfield, but he should in Real Madrid dream team.

LMDA ... Davids would never sign for us ... we will be looking towards the nationwide for our next signings.

[JCL]

I think David Batty can still do a job and would work for Villa on a short-term basis. Having said that you really should be looking further ahead. Dacourt would be a decent signing.

What were your views on Wilson's sending off yesterday? I thought that second booking was harsh and Samuel certainly made the most of what contact there was.

[Davester]

Originally posted by JCL
I think David Batty can still do a job and would work for Villa on a short-term basis. Having said that you really should be looking further ahead. Dacourt would be a decent signing.

What were your views on Wilson's sending off yesterday? I thought that second booking was harsh and Samuel certainly made the most of what contact there was.

Batty - 34, no games this season and is injury prone. Reminds me of about 5 players in our squad. Waste of time and cash!

samuel got up and didn't make a meal of it! What you didn't see on teh TV was that it was a promising break and we had the numbers. They were both bookings and he deserved to go. Anyway, the ref had a mare fulls top.

[JCL]

Well from what I saw it looked like he made a meal of it and took a bit of a dive. I'm going of course by the television pictures I've seen and I wasn't there in person.

You're probably right about Batty but maybe Villa could arrange a trial or something to assess his fitness. I still think a fit Batty can do a job in the English Premiership. I know a few Leeds fans who certainly think that.

[Davester]

teh angle didn't show the position we were in at the time :)

[Mozza]

If I remember correctly, Samuel was the last man through on goal and the ref had no choice but to give Wilson the red.

[Davester]

I think that one of the defenders would have got to him, but we were in with a good chance of a goal (we may have even had a man over) and that suggests that the second booking was deserved. If you look soley at the tackle it was harsh (but we can't expect too much of ITV)

[Pisces Iscariot]

There's now way that Wilson should have been shown that second yellow card, it was a shocking decision.

[Davester]

Why not? He stopped a promising break where Samuel was potentially through on goal.

[Legendary]

Don't moan about bad refeeering especially it is in our favour :nuts:

[Davester]

WHY HAVE WE GOT NO CASH?

This is the million dollar question (I'll get me coat). For years we have been told Villa are not being extravegant with cash in preparation for this day, yet we seem to have less money now than ever :nuts: I am confused. Please could one of you scholars (and gentlemen) explain?



Also is there anywhere I can see figures for our net expenditure under GT, Gregory, and Little? Cheers

Dave

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by Davester
WHY HAVE WE GOT NO CASH?

This is the million dollar question (I'll get me coat). For years we have been told Villa are not being extravegant with cash in preparation for this day, yet we seem to have less money now than ever :nuts: I am confused. Please could one of you scholars (and gentlemen) explain?



Also is there anywhere I can see figures for our net expenditure under GT, Gregory, and Little? Cheers

Dave

Please refer to picture below ;)

[Davester]

Originally posted by Euripedes
Please refer to picture below ;) okay, I read the fanzine sites too, and have heard what people have had to say but it is a worry. i'd love to get hold of teh balance sheets for the last few years and see where things have gone wrong. Undoubtedly the board are responsible to some extent

[JCL]

How much was spent on that new stand?

[Euripedes]

Originally posted by JCL
How much was spent on that new stand?

Supposedly arround £13.5M. Althought the Trinity Road was in much need for improvement as this was opened in it's original form in 1923, we did not need at that point to build the stand. The reason was due to an egomaniac, who was confident that England would hold the World Cup in 2006, and to save his reputation with the FA, could not risk losing his beloved venue, to places such as Pride Park, Stadium of Light and pehaps even Sty Blandrews.

The Trinity road was a listed building, not just because of the architecture, but the rampant Lion murals high on the walls. Somehow Ellis convinced the City Council that this would be kept. It has still to be rebuilt and we have a Plastic monstrosity in it's place.

The overall bill was nearer £20M, partly due to the fact that the construction company went bust and we had to carry on with the work.
Although this outlay was in addition to playing funds, our transfer funds have been affected, but he says otherwise and makes excuses for example due to sept 11th, etc.

We have a good stadium no doubt, but I would have rather had the money to bolster the squad, as we are as far away from the top 3 in England as ever now.

:mad:

[JCL]

Arsenal and Manchester United will take a lot of catching.

You're right to say the £20m is almost bound to have come out the transfer kitty but again as an outsider looking in you have to question some the signings that have been made with the money that was available.

Don't think any of the Villa squad would make it into the starting line-ups of a top Premiership squad. Sadly, I don't see Villa challenging for the title anytime soon and I can understand how frustrating that is for Villa supporters. It wasn't that long ago you finished 2nd in the league. From that frustration comes the Ellis Out campaign and again I can fully understand that. However, there's not many Jack Walker's or David Murray's around these days willing to invest a fortune in a football club and that's the kind of major investment Aston Villa need to have any chance of challenging at the top again.

[Mandrill]

Originally posted by Euripedes
Supposedly arround £13.5M. Althought the Trinity Road was in much need for improvement as this was opened in it's original form in 1923, we did not need at that point to build the stand. The reason was due to an egomaniac, who was confident that England would hold the World Cup in 2006, and to save his reputation with the FA, could not risk losing his beloved venue, to places such as Pride Park, Stadium of Light and pehaps even Sty Blandrews.

The Trinity road was a listed building, not just because of the architecture, but the rampant Lion murals high on the walls. Somehow Ellis convinced the City Council that this would be kept. It has still to be rebuilt and we have a Plastic monstrosity in it's place.

The overall bill was nearer £20M, partly due to the fact that the construction company went bust and we had to carry on with the work.
Although this outlay was in addition to playing funds, our transfer funds have been affected, but he says otherwise and makes excuses for example due to sept 11th, etc.

We have a good stadium no doubt, but I would have rather had the money to bolster the squad, as we are as far away from the top 3 in England as ever now.

:mad:

Also IIRC 20 mil was spent on the stand but we