Wahey, the footy proper is back again and not before time.
The Euros has been great for putting Brum on the map, but it’s not really my thing and footy’s what does it for me.
Nothing else comes close.
So we travel to the Vitality stadium for our first game.
I quite like the idea of smaller clubs being in the Premier league, but have serious doubts about how a stadium that holds not many over 11,000 people has anything to offer at all and I’d say there might be a serious argument that clubs shouldn’t even be allowed into the league with a capacity of say, 20,000 minimum.
Certainly to my mind, Bournemouth should have either increased the capacity or moved to a new ground.
They could of course retained the right to keep things as they are and not enter the league, but who seriously would turn down the Sky riches?
I won’t harp on it, but I think it’s somewhat embarassing that we have grounds that small.
And before anyone complains about that, consider that away crowds are small enough as it is.
Not that I get the chance to go away these days. I’m constantly busy lately and indeed am working again tomorrow. I might struggle to see the kickoff, but I will make sure I get to see most of the game.
The main thing of note for me in this game is that Scott Parker has been constantly rattling on about how Bournemouth are not where they need to be to compete.
I have been incredibly poor at keeping up with all things football in this close season, so I don’t have a clue how many players Bournemouth lost at the end of last season, but they obviously haven’t got enough in and Parker is definitely not happy about the situation.
In fact the way he’s been talking, I’ve almost read his comments as blatant criticism of the owners/board.
Whatever, it can only be good for us. Or so you would think.
I’m sure the Watford game last season will live long in the memory. I know it will, mine.
It goes without saying,there’s no such thing as a guaranteed win.
Squad news then and on Bournemouth’s part, things aren’t helped with the fact that two of their new signings, Ryan Fredericks and Joe Rothwell are both injured. Good news is that ex Middlesbrough signing Marcus Tavernier will be available.
As for the Villa, we’re all good apart from Konsa and Davis not being ready according to WM earlier, although I’ve not seen this confirmed anywhere on the web.
I know I really shouldn’t count my chickens, but I really can’t see past a Villa win here. I’d expect it to be convincing too, as much as Bournemouth might put up a decent fight.
The way Scott Parker talks, I’m expecting nothing other than a relegation fight for the Cherries too.
Or is Parker just being canny?
I doubt it.
I’m going to go for a 2-0 win, but don’t ask me who’s going to get the goals. The truth is I have little faith in both of our strikers lately.
Maybe we’ll see more of Archer this season? I doubt he can be much worse, hence pressure shouldn’t be too bad.
Which reminds me, congratulations on the new five year contract, Cameron.
It’s nice to see we’re looking to tie top quality young players up for a long time.
Oh, I need to check out my betting account too, as I can see a tenner going on us.
Last I looked, it was temporarily closed, because my £80 balance was being checked for money laundering.
You have to laugh.
UTV and here’s to a successful season!
