We have reached and surpassed the halfway mark of the season, so between the 4 writers for this very opinionated site, so last week we thought it best to ask ourselves 5 simple questions and now seems to be a nice time to share the answers…
1) What are your thoughts on lambert, his position and future?
BADGER123 –
While I’ve tried to be positive and back Paul Lambert, I realise I’m going against my own instincts.
I think he’s proven to be a shocking manager for the Villa, even when you take all the factors working against him into account.
His intransigence in sticking with Gabby and Wiemann, when they’re so out of form has done it for me.
Unfortunately, I think he’s bombproof while Lerner is here, hence I want both of them gone.
ADAMG –
Lambert’s position will be safe, and will continue to be safe. The reason behind this is the fact that Lerner has lost interest in our football club. I doubt that Lerner even knows the results of our recent matches! Having said that, I can see that Lambert is trying to change something but it’s not drastic enough. Lambert need’s to select the likes of Grealish and Cole more often than he has, he is to over reliant on Weimann and N’Zogbia who have often been very uneffective.
Ooahpaulmcgrath –
His position is unfortunately secure. His tactics and brand of football is the worst I’ve ever had the misfortune to watch at VP.
Mr_Cheese –
Lambert has been given a life line with his contract extension and much to the dislike of any of us, he is not going anywhere this season and once we stay up, he will remain next season as well. I initially liked the guy, his ethic towards youth and the style of football he used, at least at Norwich. But it has been very on off at the villa and caused us much dismay. My issue is with the players he picks to start and the lack of substitution impact (which has improved recently). I’d like a fresh manager, with more tactics and influence at his fingertips but with Lambert, all I ask is that we sign some attacking players and get rid of Delph (unfortunately) and Vlaar to rid us of uncertainty and concentrate in the future.
2) Who is your AVFC player of the season so far?
BADGER123 –
Hutton made the early running and he’s still up there, but Sanchez looks a class apart to me. If he can keep things going and doesn’t get injured I suspect he’ll be my vote for player of the season full stop.
ADAMG –
This is a tough one, but I’d have to say Ciaran Clark. At the start of the season many fans didn’t rate him any more, claiming that he can’t develop anymore, this included myself. Boy was I wrong, not only has Clark played in 13 games so far but he’s also scored a goal and formed a fantastic partnership with Okore. Baker and Okore have also impressed me immensely, but since Clark has played more, I’d give it to him. The performance of our defence demonstrates that there really is no need for Lambert to bring in a replacement for Vlaar.
Ooahpaulmcgrath –
Alan Hutton
Mr_Cheese –
Without a doubt, Alan Hutton. He has been the complete opposite of what we all thought he would be. Consistent and solid game in, game out. I’d even contemplate putting him up front!
3) Who is your worst AVFC player of the season so far?
BADGER123 –
There are a few contenders here, with Richardson, Gabby and Wiemann all in the frame, but Tom Cleverley wins this one. I totally fail to see it with him.
ADAMG –
I’ve been a little disappointed with Agbonlahor and Weimann, both have played 13 games and scored 3 goals, assisting another 3. Simply not good enough.
Ooahpaulmcgrath –
Tom Cleverly
Mr_Cheese –
Worst player of the season for me is a hard one, I’d be tempted to say Wiemann but I think it is swaying towards Nzogbia. Neither have done much for the club this season but at least Wiemann has got on the score sheet. Nzogbia has been a complete flop since we brought him and it is a real shame because he had some potential and an opportunity to build on his form. He has been constantly bad game on game.
4) With the January window here, what realistic targets would you like to see brought in?
BADGER123 –
I don’t like predicting this sort of thing, but I have no doubt that whoever we do sign won’t excite me.
Lambert doesn’t do exciting and Lerner won’t spend the money, imo.
ADAMG –
Spending all possible funds on an attacking midfielder! Villa were once linked with Popov, he’s a decent attacking midfielder who plays in Russia. He is on his final year of his contract and he is a decent, experienced player. Snap him up! I can also imagine that Cleverly will be signed, which I’m alright with, adds more depth to the squad. But please don’t spend more than £2-3 million.
Ooahpaulmcgrath –
No idea, expect us to be linked with £15-£20m players but ending up with loan players and more cheap misfits. More importantly are the players that we will keep.
Mr_Cheese –
I love the link with Fulhams Iven Christensen and hope this comes to light as a legitimate purchase. Outside of this, I want to see more interest in players like Chris Martin from Derby or Ings from Burnley, maybe even Callum Robinson who is 22 and scored 13 in 27 for Bournemouth. I don’t think Lambert should give our forward 3 the opportunity to get comfortable because they really don’t deserve it.
5) Where do you Aston Villa finishing at the end of the season?
BADGER123 –
After watching us give up 4 points out of 6 in the last two games that we really needed to win, I have no expectations whatsoever, save the fact that we’ll probably scrape survival.
ADAMG –
I’d expect Villa to stay in the mid-table position, 12th place seems like a reasonable target. Unless of course Villa end up spending a fortune on new players to improve our squad, this seems incredibly unlikely.
Ooahpaulmcgrath –
Bottom 8 but avoiding relegation.
Mr_Cheese –
We will finish higher than previous seasons, but not by much and it all comes down who/ if we bring in this window. I’m saying 14th.
