The Aston Villa "lets not out stay our welcome and return to the premiership asap" thread.

[westisbest]

First topic message reminder :

Ok, so writing this a little early, but in fairness we have been down for months.
Been an absolute shocking season to say the least.

With poitive talks of a new owner on the way, managers being touted about.
Pearson would be my choice, although hearing Di Matteo is now favourite.
Hopefully some good news comes out of this.

Players i hope leave in summer:-

Guzan, Lescott, Cissokho, Bacuna, Richardson, Sinclair, Gabby, Sanchez, Kozak, N'Zogbia, Westwood.

Thats alot of players to get rid of.

Players who have been out on loan.

Baker, can stay at Bristol City.
Bennett, back up to Amavi(if he stays).
Steer, can go.
Gardner, definatly keep, will be like a new signing.

Players in.
off the top of my head.

David Marshall, for me best keeper in champioship.
Cyrus Christie, every time i have seen him play for Derby and Ireland he has looked good. Need a new rb.
Alan Judge, had a great season with Brentford, would be a good addition.
Ross McCormack, his name has been touted around with us, could be a decent signing.
Wessi for the experience.
Will Grigg, scored a load for Wigan,  i know its a step up in leagues, but he could do well.


Just a few names there, again just off the top of my head.

Will be difficult, but we really need to keep hold of Ayew and Amavi.

Youngsters.
Andre Green, Rushian Hepburn-Murphy, Kevin Toner, Jordan Lyden.
These 4 our the main ones for the future. Had a taste of first team action. Hopefully continue to get some first team action next season.

I would take Petrov back, moreso as experience for the team, especially the youngsters. Maybe in a coaching role. I know he wants to play, dont think he would get much first team action.

So the squad would look something like:-

Marshall, Bunn
Christie, Hutton, Okore, Clarke, Toner,  Amavi, Bennett, Richards.
Judge, Wessi, Gana,  Veretout, Traore, Gardner, Gil, Lyden, Green, Grealish
Ayew, Gestede, Hepburn-Murphy, McCormack, Grigg.

Again, this is just off the top of my head, re signings/squad, am sure we may sign 'better players' whoever they may be.

I know the championship will be tough. Games come thick and fast.
Really hope Pearson is the next manager. He knows the league, wont take any sh1t and will get the players performing.

Its a sad goodbye to the premiership and hello champioship.

Here's to a short stay and boune straight back up(whatever the squad is)

[westisbest]

Big game tomorrow.
Early start, looking forward to it, never been to St Andrews.
Pretty confident, done well with Bruce.

Hopefully keep the good run going and of course there is the bragging rights.

A win and we're only 4 points off the play offs.
Be a bit more spice with Bruce returning.

Won't be easy, I'll go for a narrow 2-1 Villa win.

[westisbest]

Just back from brum.

Not the best game, typical derby game, goid atmosphere.

Think we got away with the 'goal' thst wasnt given.
Lokked like Gollini pulled it from behind the line.

We need to make at least 2 signings in midfield in jan.
Jedinak has been poor likewise Westwood.

Need someone with a bit more fight.
Also we spent to much on attacking players.

Was banking on Gabby to get the winner when he came on.
Worked hard in fairness to him.

Despite not getting the win, enjoyable.

Blackburn home next week, hopefully we get the 3 points.

[westisbest]

Another good win under Bruce.
Going great guns.

Kodjia looking great.
Needed the win and keep the unbeaten home record going.

Very tough game at Brighton in 2 weeks.

[westisbest]

Reports suggesting that Bruce is interested in signing Jordan Rhodes in Jan.

A good player, but we have enough forwards.

Ayew & Kodjia will be off to the ACON in Jan.
That leaves us with McCormack, Gestede, Gabby & Hephburn-Murphy, Kozak, not sure if he is injured though.

Although Kodjia & Ayew will be a big loss, it will give McCormack game time to hopefully bang in some goals.

He looks frustrated and can't blame him, not getting game time.
January could be his time.

[westisbest]

Would have taken a point before kick off.
Dissapointing not to get the 3.

Young Jack did well when he came on.
Adomah played well.

6 unbeaten under Bruce.
Said before maybe have been a lot higher if he was manager in August.

Cardiff home next Saturday, nothing less than 3 points.

[westisbest]

Unbeaten run goes on under Super Steve.

Leeds away will be tricky next Saturday.
Onwards and upwards.

[Galted]

And the goal right at the end when Villa were only leading by one goes to Villa. I'm disliking Bruce less and less with every passing week.

[westisbest]

Poor game yesterday.
Boring to watch.
2 silly goals to give away.
Goood header from whoever the Leeds guy was, but bad goalkeeping from Gollini.

The run had to end sometime.
Hopefully 3 points against Wigan next Saturday

[Bind up]

Yeah hopefully get three against Wigan. Big game then away to Norwich.

Still 6 points off the play off places isn't too bad.

[westisbest]

Great to bounce back with a win.
Not a great game by the sounds of things.

Tough game Tuesday night at Norwich.

[westisbest]

Rumours we could be after Brady next month.
£10m, £50k a week.
Interesting as we play Norwich tonight.

Would take him, maybe send McCormack the other way, as sadly not fitting in.

Although with Kodjia & Ayew off to the ACON, would need McCormack.

[westisbest]

Well that was f ing sh1t.

Got to be doing better than that.
Memories of last season with that game. Pist off again.

If your going to lose at least play well.
That was poor.

QPR a
Burton h

Nothing less than 6 points.

With January coming up, need a decent midfielder, right back and keeper.

[westisbest]

Well, we got there in the end.
Hard fought win.
Glad Kodjia made up for his missed pen.
Will miss him next month.
Hopefully another 3 points on Boxing Day.

[Galted]

Isn't it great to remember what it's like to expect 3 points?

[Guest]

I'm going up to Villa Park on Boxing Day.

Fun Fact: Whenever Freek watches Aston Villa in the flesh they tend to lose.

Sorry guys

[westisbest]

Was going to go myself freek.

Will be disappointed if our unbeaten record goes.
Fancy us to beat Burton.

[Guest]

Yeah, I'd be surprised if you don't win, Westy.

I think you'll make the Play Off's this season.

[westisbest]

Would hope so.
Will be tricky.
Long way to go yet.

[westisbest]

With the transfer window round the corner, the transfer rumour mill has started.

Outs

Gestede is apparently wanted by WBA, Palce and Boro.
Gollini could be going on loan to Inter.
Ayew off to Marseille.

Ins

Sam Johnstone loan deal could be going ahead. Utd keeper, can't say I've ever heard of him.
Jordan Rhodes has been touted around.
One that I hope is true, is Hogan from Brentford. The guy is in fire this season.
Alan Judge been rumoured with Hogan. Good player but been out for a while.
Hourihane from Barnsley another name.
Quite like Landsbury of Forest.

We are to top heavy up front.
Wouldn't mind seeing Gestede & Ayew going.

What we really need is a good midfielder.

[westisbest]

Another home win yesterday.
Although Burton were the better side, think we were actually pretty poor from what I've heard.

First sell out in a long time.
Hope you enjoyed it freek.

Still it's 3 points, still 6 behind the play offs.
Great to see McCormack score, gonna need him next month.

Leeds at home Thursday, be a tough game.

[Guest]

Didn't go, Westy. Was expecting to get tickets on the day but it was announced sold out on Christmas Eve.

You'd have probably not won had I gone anyway

[westisbest]

Leeds deserved to win that, but least we got something out of it and the unbeaten home record goes on.

3 points against Cardiff Monday

[westisbest]

Sam Johnstone in so far. Looked decent v Spurs.

Would like it if we added Lansbury or Hourihane, need to improve the midfield.
Maddison from Peterborough linked, maybe a return of Downing.
Barnsley rb linked to.
Midfield is the main concern, another forward as Ayew might be off to China.

Gollini has gone on loan to Atalanta.

[westisbest]

Where do I start.
Pi55 poor.
No way will we make the play offs at this rate.
Game was pretty much over when they scored.
Missing Kodjia and Ayew big time.

Need to sign 2 midfielders asap.
Jedinak can F off back to Australia. Shocking player.

McCormack needs to stop moaning, learn how to keep onside and score. Also lose some weight.
Not the player he was

Could do with signing a left back and pushing Amavi to left wing.
Much better going forward.
Players need to put more effort in.

Oh and Lambert can F OFF to.
Sack of sh1t.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Hold me westi

Hold me in our mid table championship rubbishness state

[westisbest]

Now that I've calmed down a bit, probably a bit harsh in Lambert.

He did sign Tekkers after all.

[westisbest]

Happy with the signings so far.
If we can wrap up Hourihane today or tomorrow, sell McCormack and sign Rhodes, it would have been a great window for us.

Makes a change.
Hope those deals come off.

[westisbest]

Horgan set to sign.
Been a good window.

Let's hope they can play well and help the play off push.

[westisbest]

Good team tonight.
Would say our best starting 11.

Hopefully can get back to winning ways.
Forgotten what that felt like.

[Galted]

Thank f for that, have been in freefall this year. Hopefully can get a bit of a run going to ensure the end of the season isn't too nerve-wracking.

Was at Villa Park for this fixture nearly 20 years ago, Merson scored the only goal in a top of the Premiership table clash, funny how fortunes change.

[westisbest]

Those were better days.

Hopefully we can get 6 points this week.
Be disappointed if we don't.

[westisbest]

Sad news about Ehiogu. Only 44.
Was a big fan of his when he was at Villa.

RIP.
Him and Atkinson in last year.

[Guest]

Awful news. Always came across as a decent bloke.

RIP, Ugo

[westisbest]

Hull at home first up on sky.
Cardiff a
Reading h.

Hopefully 9 points from first 3 games.

[westisbest]

Never thought I would see Terry in a villa shirt.
Just hope the guy doesn't get injured pre season(which I think clubs play to many).

Hopefully stays injury free, and has a good season.
He will be great for the other players and in the dressing room.

Good luck to the guy and let's hope we can get back up to the prem at the second attempt.

[westisbest]

Samba
Whelan
Elmohamady
Terry

Bruce gone with experience this window.

Think we could get shot of

Hutton, Elphick, Lyden, Gil, Veretout, Bacuna, Gardner.

Would like to see Amavi stay, but think he will go.
As will McCormack I think.

Really hoping Hogan stays injury free and finds his form again.

Not long till Hull now, looking forward to the new season.

[Crimey]

A centre back pairing of Terry and Christopher Samba is just asking for a pacey striker to tear you apart.

[westisbest]

I'd be shocked if Samba is a regular.
Would think he would only play a handful of games.

I'd imagine Chester would partner Terry.
Also Baker is there to challenge for a place.

[westisbest]

Disappointed to see Baker leave for Bristol City.
Decent player as back up if nothing else.

With Elphick nearing the exit door, Samba and Terry not going to play every game, Baker still had a place.

Unless Bruce is going to use Jedinak as a centre back if needed.

[Guest]

Bacuna moved to Reading

He didn't fancy playing in League One next season

[Galted]

That's a relief, hopefully a few more results like that are on the way. A local derby against Wallsall has been looking a remote possibility.

[westisbest]

Good win last Saturday and in the week.
Need to keep it up tonight. Be a tough game.

Snodgrass has been linked. Be a good addition but at same time not to bothered if don't get him.

Only change I would make from team that beat Norwich would be De Laet for Hutton. Keep Bree on the bench.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

You've got Snods now. Better hope the lads up front are moving fast enough to mask his lack of pace, but technique could put him up with some of the best in the division

[westisbest]

Yeah think he will be a decent addition.

[Guest]

You don't wanna be playing catch up with the pack too early on. Last thing you want is to have to put a long winning/unbeaten run together sometime in the new year. The night is young, I know but...

5 points from 5 games is a poor return thus far. Listening to the Bruce interview before the game last night suggests that he's getting rattled by the criticism. I'd say the next 6 games are massive for him. Anything less than 10 points in those and the board'll probably act.

[westisbest]

Yeah could be 10 points behind this evening.
Was hoping to have more points at this stage.
Think we have one of the best squads in the league, need to show it.

Our home form will be decent I think, need to get more wins in the road and stop giving the ball away to easily.

Play some good football at times need to do more of it.
Early days, but need the wins.

Brentford h
Boro h
Barnsley a
Forest h
Burton a
Bolton h

Our September fixtures. Some wins in there.
No easy games though.

[Guest]

Should beat all those B teams, Westy

[westisbest]

3 undefeated against the B's.
Next 3 are winnable.

Hope we can push on now.

[westisbest]

Up to 5th now.

Need to carry on the recent form to stay in the play offs at least.

[westisbest]

Real shame Terry will be out for a while now, has been quality for us this season.

Big blow.

Would rather see Elphick take his place over Samba or Richards.
If he can find the form he had at the start of last season.

Although will no doubt be Samba.

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