I really don’t like Bournemouth.
I used too, but they’re such a tricky side to play.
They were absolute rubbish early in the season, but they’ve now proven to be a very resiliant, physical side, which is exactly the sort that doesn’t suit us. Quite like Lille, if you like.
That said, they’re not quite doing as well as I thought and currently sit in 13th place. Then again, their form over the last six games is excellent. They’ve won 3, drawn two and lost only 1 game. That’s a record that’s only bettered by City and Arsenal.
Now add in that we’ve only faced them seven times in the Premier league, yet they’ve beaten us four times.
So this is going to be a tough game, given our heroic exploits in Europe on Thursday.
Squad news and according to the Beeb, Alex Moreno has a minor calf issue and will be sidelined for a number of weeks.
How does that work, if it’s minor? Hmm.
Luiz will serve his second game suspended and Zaniolo will be assessed after his awkward fall on Thursday.
Bournemouth have Antoine Semenyo back. Tyler Adams and Chris Mepham are out, while Sinisterra has aggravated a hamstring injury.
Not that I was worried about any of those.
The one that worries me is Solanke. I think he’s a beast and offers a big threat.
Prediction time then and oh….
You’ve got no chance of a prediction out of me now and I won’t predict another result this season. I’ll only jinx us.
I will however, say, it’ll be close.
And that I’m reasonably confident, IF things go well for us.
What’s that? I’m hedging my bets there?
Too right I am. I’m not the superstitious sort normally and it’s only re footy where I remotely am. I’ll do anything if it means we win and that includes keeping my mouth shut.
UTV!
BTW This what Phil McNulty of BBC Football thinks about Emery and rumours of him moving –
‘I think the future is incredibly bright (for Villa). Ambitious owners, an elite manager in Unai Emery who, with his long-time ally Monchi, is building a very good side.
Of course, Emery’s outstanding work might attract admirers from elsewhere but he has had unfulfilling experiences at Paris St-Germain and Arsenal so why should he go? Aston Villa appears to be the perfect fit for Emery and the work he does – which is good news for Aston Villa.’
I sincerely hope that he’s right.
Inter, AC, Barca, Real, PSG, ManU, Citeh, Arse, Spuds, Chel$ea are all just corporate monsters. Bayern seem a little more grounded but why would anyone want to go to the equivalent of the SPL (France and Germany), or move to a conglomerate?
The next step for Unai would probably be be a national side, but that’s years away when he’s ready for semi-retirement.
Unai wants to win the PL and ECL with Villa. And he’s capable of doing it, given the proportionate time and resources.
Villa announce two year principal sponsor deal with Betano which I suspect is going to significantly increase our revenue. I know many people don’t approve of gambling advertising but I feel we’re rather hypocritical as a nation – bit like the morals of the Victorians.
So, while the UK / FA / EPL look to ban all gambling advertisements, Betano have been accepted as the main sponsor for EUFA 2024.
I just love the irony.
Emery’s going nowhere – let’s just knock that on the head straight away – a very good explanation here, if anyone needs one (https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/keys-kingdom-bayern-munich-no-29041029).
Gentlemen, of more interest to me are the rumours starting to bubble out of ManCs that Grealish may be offloaded as soon as this summer (I’ve now seen two pieces on this subject in different papers’ websites in the last week or so-); so the questions are: (a) would you want him back? and (b) would he it into Emery’s team any more oten than he now does Pep’s team?
“Nassef Sawiris gave him the keys to the kingdom in addition to partnerships with V Sports.”
That’s the killer statement, total control and investment?
Would he get that at Bayern? Or just an other manager through the revolving door?
Jack back?
Thanks for the memories but not for me.
I don’t see us wanting him back at the price Man C would want for him. If he were available for 20-30m, I could see us making a bid, but we’ve moved on from him. What made him successful for us was playing so many plays through him, and being the main man, and we’ve evolved since then with new playmakers such as JJ, Rogers, Bailey, Buendia and he’s struggled to contribute to the level he did for us because he’s not the main man there – and nor would he be if he came back. So on that alone, before you even discuss if he fits Emery’s tactics or style of play, it’s a no from me… and he was my favourite ever Villa player up until leaving, so I say that with heavy heart.
It’s a good question Ardent.
If we could get him really cheap as a squad player (which isn’t going to happen) then maybe but objectively I would answer no and no.
Having said that if anyone could get the very best out of Grealish it would be Emery.
But would he upset the apple cart?
Could it be said he’s been whiter than white throughout his career?
Can’t see Unai standing for his antics.
No and no. Not with his injury record and Villa’s. We need younger players who can last. Unless he comes as back with the presupposition that he’ll miss a significant portion of the season with injury. Completely pointless in terms of where we want to go and what we need. Past his best. Cherish the memories. Move on.
Personally, I happen to agree with you both.
We’ve got a squad that’s improved 100% since Grealish left, and I couldn’t see him getting any more games for us than he gets for ManCs this season. Nor do I see Emery building a team around him the way Dean Smith tried (seems so kong ago…).
And for me, it’s not even about his price: I don’t know his contract situation, but presume that if he runs down his original contract they might even lose him on a ‘free’ in 12 months time? But even if he decided that he wanted to ‘come home’ (especially if we’re playing in the CL), I honestly don’t see where he’d fit in now.
On a separate subject I applaud Forest for voicing what many fans have been saying or thinking in general terms – not specifically applicable to one individual.
Of course the EPL and FA will arrogantly ride rough shod over Forest as to accept PGMOL and VAR are not fit for purpose would be unacceptable.
It’s clear that a significant majority of fans want VAR removed, accepting just goal line technology and semi automated offside.
VAR and the manner in which it’s applied in England is no longer credible, does not accord with its overriding principle of ‘clear and obvious error’ and is used by PGMOL referees to impose a re-refereeing approach to games with the (apparent) sole purpose of seeking to disallow goals wherever possible.
The Coventry goal disallowed for offside is a perfect example of a poor, if not, biased approach – obviously all a matter of personal opinion
VAR has not reduced, rather it’s increased, controversial decisions in the game whilst destroying the spontaneity of fan’s enjoyment.
Perhaps the EPL and FA should actually try listening to the fans who fund the wealth of the EPL rather than trying to impose their own busted policies on us.
Hitch, while I understand all of the complaints about refereeing standards (in general) and VAR (in particular) – I have to say that I found the ‘official’ statement from Forrest completely unacceptable.
Fans can say whatever they like, whether in the pub or on social media: professional football clubs, and people associated with them, cannot.
If it was down to me, I’d throw Forrest out of the PL now, without even waiting for the season to finish.
Asking for the audio and / or a transcript?
What’s the big deal?
Well unless, maybe you had something to hide?
RSS, I believe that all audio should be available.
I’ve been saying for years that I’d like to see football follow Rugby Union and make all the referee/assistant/4th official/VAR audio to be broadcast live, real-time.
And I’d also say that if I were Stuart Attwell, I’d be demanding that PGMOL’s lawyers immediately launch proceedings against Forrest – regardless of whatever else the PL do.
BTW, Forrest’s owner Evangelos Marinakis also owns Olimpiakos, and has form with complaints and allegations about refereeing there (see this from today’s Independent): “More than anything, though, it is the spoiled and self-entitled response of a club whose owner has a history of this. It is only three years since Olympiakos, also owned by Evangelos Marinakis, criticised the “darkest days of Greek refereeing ever”. A specific target of that criticism was the president of the “central refereeing committee”, who Olympiakos said they were withdrawing “confidence” in. The individual? Mark Clattenburg, who by 2024 Marinakis had enough confidence in to employ as Forest refereeing consultant”
this from today’s Independent):
“Make all the referee/assistant/4th official/VAR audio to be broadcast live, real-time.”
Spot on Ardent.
I’ll hold my hands up and say I know nothing of the Forest owner or his past but you must admit match officials appear to be exempt from any accountability for their decisions?
And also take into account that Forest have history with match officials…
” In 1984 the president of Belgian side Anderlecht bribed the referee ahead of their Uefa Cup semi-final victory over Nottingham Forest. The facts were finally revealed in 1997 and Anderlecht were banned from European competition for a year. But new evidence shows Uefa was told about the bribe as early as 1992.”
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-37453762#:~:text=In%201984%20the%20president%20of,bribe%20as%20early%20as%201992.
Maybe you’re right Ardent. Whether Forest’s tweet is actionable is debatable. Throwing Forest out of the EPL whilst ManC and Chelsea are currently avoiding any action on alleged serious financial breaches might start a real sh*t storm.
Although it might be implied as criticsm of Attwell, I think Forest were complaining about the PGMOL process.
All referees have to state which club they ‘support’ and, to the best of my knowledge, referees are not appointed in games where their declared support might lead to a question of integrity.
If that is true why did PGMOL appoint a referee (not supporting either club) but a team with vested interests in the outcome given that (allegedly) Forest had raised concerns prior to the game. PGMOL could have averted any criticsm by acting accordingly …………
Notwithstanding its unquestionable that the general view of VAR – or, more accurately, its application is an anathema for most fans,
Whatever I have decided it’s now prudent to put my my grumpy old man’s shovel away 🙂
Wow. That’s some statement, Ardent. PL as a totalitarian regime.
BFR, I simply think that Forrest crossed the red line.
Criticism of refereeing standards and competence (in general) is fine IMO, but coming out with statements implying that the refereeing body and/or specific referees are somehow ‘biased’ for or against particular clubs is not appropriate.
As I said before, that’s something that fans can discuss between themselves, but to put it out as an official club statement…
Again, just my opinion, but over the last few years we’ve heard fairly widely-reported issues where particular clubs have asked for particular referees not to be involved in their forthcoming games – that set a dangerous precedent: if you can’t accept that professional referees are ‘professional’ (however incompetent you might think they are) then I think we’re on a slippery slope to clubs deciding who they will allow to referee their games. That makes the game a farce.
“ It is never appropriate to improperly question the integrity of match officials, and the nature of these comments means the Premier League will also be investigating the matter in relation to the league’s rules.”
What ever are they going to do, take points off them?
Oh I forgot, they’ve already have.
Bent.
I heard someone on the radio refer to Mark Clattenburg as ‘Mark Battenburg’ earlier.
Made me laugh. Especially with his ‘chequered past’!!!
I’ll get me coat…
Jack is on a six-year contract tha runs until June 2027 on annual average salary of £15,600,000.
He’s going nowhere imo.
I don’t see any other club now that would give him that sort of money, so that’s a very good reason why he might well stay there even if he doesn’t get much playing time.
But surely he can’t be happy at the prospect of losing his place in Southgate’s squad?
I couldn’t tell from the pieces that I saw whether it was him or the club who were floating the idea of him going sooner than 2027,
But even less happy at the prospect of losing a good chunk of £16m I should imagine?
And may I be as bold as to suggest he give Mr Bale a bell for a bit of advice on the best golf courses?? 😂🤣😂⛳
Would we have Jack back ? I think he’s now a player you would have to know when’s the best games to play him as he slows games down, for me no. He would upset the apple cart in many ways price, partying, is part of his life now. I’m happy to see at long last what I’ve advocated some referees are in my mind boy hood fans of their football clubs, Nottingham forest at long last said as much, I also noticed that Michael Oliver officiated two games Saturday and Sunday , he was the one to say Coventrys goal was offside in VAR , we do have to get none footballing refs trained as it’s getting controversial now in games.
https://theathletic.com/5438160/2024/04/23/aston-villa-unai-emery-contract-new/
Happy days!
Villa prepping talks with Unai after the season’s end with a contract extension to 2027.
Whooooooo!!!!!
Can we make that 2037?
I don’t have any issues with VAR because it’s not the problem. PGMOL is the problem. The average fan knows absolutely nothing about how they manage their employees, training, who gets reprimanded and why and what officials say to each other during a game. They are a black box and a law unto themselves.
I feel for Forest fans as I think that all 3 penalties should have been given and, while there might be some grey areas about the first two the third was stonewall. VAR missed it through bias or utter incompetence either of which is inexcusable.
I watch a lot of La Liga and Serie A games and, while you do get the odd controversy, we seem to have two or three every week in the PL.
I would disband the current PGMOL and replace it with something much more transparent. Some new thinking is needed. If we get semi-automated offsides then all VAR will be looking at is contentious decisions. In that case why not give each team three appeals and then just replay the incident on the big screen so that everyone can see it and let the ref on the field make the decision?
Anyway, I feel for Forest fans. They’ve been diddled and, if they go down, it will leave a bitter taste.
Great news about our manager. The ONLY Villa Manager to have a win rate above 50%. Its actually 57%.
Brilliant news Gerry and that win ratio is incredible, just looked them up, George Ramsey being next highest (and he won a thing or two).
One thing that absolutely shocked was Old Potato Head had better win ratio than Sir Ron.
Unbelievable.
“Old Potato Head had better win ratio than Sir Ron.” – but weren’t ALL of the spud’s games in Div 2 (aka ‘The Championship”)?
True Ardent but still amazing his win ratio are up around the 45% mark?
I know he was a nose, he never got us promoted (a blessing in disguise?) but maybe all should be forgiven down to one simple act of genius…
We’ve got McGinn,
Super John McGinn,
I just don’t think you understand,
He’s Unai Emery’s man,
He’s better than Zidane,
We’ve got super John McGinn.
Many thanks Old P H
I never had a problem with Bruce’s past associations (not like Mr. McLeish, anyway) – and thought he was actually quite good for us at the time. He’s an old-fashioned manager (not foreign, for a start) and has his limitations – especially evident when he’s been in the Prem., – including a lack of ‘Plan B’s’ – but then I thought the same about MON…
The Championship is one of the most challenging leagues in the world, to be fair to MPH.
According to the Guardian ‘Villa have in effect given Emery total autonomy as a reward for recasting the club’s fortunes.’
Total autonomy. You wouldn’t be getting that with any other club. Emery’s been burnt twice with so-called ‘big clubs’ so it’s my bet that he’ll be sticking around at VP for quite some time.
What have contract extensions got in common with winning manager of the month? 🙂
But seriously it’s excellent news and shows the commitment of everybody at the club to drive towards the common goal of putting Villa back at the top of European football.
Hopefully this announcement will spur (unintended pun) Villa to a good win against Chelsea at the weekend putting us 9 points ahead of Spuds. Although they will have three games in hand, that would give Villa one hell of a physiological advantage.
I wish Emery every success with Villa over the next 4 years and beyond.
UTMV
Hitch, I’ve said one more win in 4 games will cement a CL place. Spuds are toast. I sort of feel sorry for them with that run in.
Even if we get those 3 points against Chelsea, can you see Unai allowing the boys to play with their flip flops on??? I can’t.
From what I’ve read, this was simply an ‘automatic’ 1-year extension that was activated.
According to “B’ham Live” (I know…) the club are already planning to sit down with Emery as soon as this season’s over in order to discuss a long-term extension to his contract.
Correct Ardent but with rumours swirling around about interest from ‘top’ European sides then Villa have moved quickly to assure Unai his home is at VP.
Decisive, positive action from our owners again.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c6pyddj6z8ro
So Emery has signed an extension until 2027, with further talks to come in the summer about a long term deal ON TOP of this one.
I think I might cry with happiness!!!!!
Sorry – your post didn’t appear on my screen until after I wrote mine!
Good article an out Premier moving to a Big 8.
Worth a read
https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/unai-emery-aston-villa-contract-premier-league-3020454?ITO=newsnow
Do we have to pay for it, Sid?
On Unai Emery’s contract extension, it’s a big ‘up yours’ to the media who love to see anyone good for us being desperate to join an ‘elite’ club.
On Jack Grealish leaving Citeh, I absolutely don’t want him back. He was great for us and he left to guarantee silverware (which he has hardly contributed to) and huge wages. We made a fortune from his sale, so thanks but no thanks now Citeh have ruined him.
On Forest’s moaning about the ‘biased’ officiating against Everton, I think they have crossed the line! Fans can say what they think but Forest reacted wrongly although I sympathise with the poor decisions that went against them. I’m sure they feel the injustice of being docked points while Citeh and Chelsea seem to be able to get away with anything. Even worse are Barcelona in looking to replay the game against Real Madrid because of a ghost goal not given.
What can of worms would that open? We get relegated because they give Sheffield United their ghost goal?
We replay the World Cup match when Lampard’s goal clearly crossed the line against Germany?
We replay the League Cup final against Man Utd because Vidic should have been sent off?
One thing that’s clear and obvious from what I can see is the fact that the game has got worse since VAR was introduced. It will NEVER get any better because humans operate it and unfortunately they make mistakes and will continue to make mistakes. VAR should be binned and we can go back to allowing referees to do the job they are currently ducking because VAR re-referees after.
Holte somebody has to ‘cross the line’ to get something done!
The fans hate VAR; it’s not fit for purpose and the decisions made encourage conspiracy theories and the popular view that VAR favours the ‘Sky 6’ for want of a better definition.
The way VAR is applied becomes its own worst enemy – either radically change the approach or ditch it.
Personally I would vote to bin it. It’s done nothing to reduce controversy and, quite the opposite, it’s increased controversy and is sucking the spontaneous joy about of football.
VAR is an inanimate object – the issue lies with the idiotic, obsessive and self opinionated control freaks who run it.
Now jumping off my hobby horse 🙂
VAR stands for ‘Video Assisted Referee.’ If they had done that, it would have worked perfectly. I.e. The match official goes to the monitor to see the replays if he’s not sure or missed something. The video assists the referee. Then he makes the correct decision and everyone’s happy. No problems.
Through history, idiots have made simple things complicated. The question is, why?
All this talk of Emery. Do you guys remember just before his arrival, on these very pages there was support for Sean Dyche coming to Villa???!!! It’s fun looking back through some of our old posts and debates over the years. It’s like the time of Lerner, who made McL****h and Lambert’s life hell (and ours obviously) at the time with his demands and restrictions that only came out later…And Dr X. Was is all just a bad dream like the days of covid????
I don’t actually remember who (if anyone) really wanted Duche (sorry, Dyche) – he’d been guilty of a couple of well-publicised put-down’s of Villa in the previous few seasons.
But yes, you’re right, we had a bit of a nightmare time between Lerner’s money running out (2008-ish) and the current owners taking over; Dr.X almost putting the club out of business…
I remember it well unfortunately as it infuriated me! I’m not a fan of Dyche.
I earlier watched Canadian Pete reviewing the Fulham 3-0 as Gerrard was sacked. He was slating McGinn and doubting his presence at the club LOL!!! How things change!!! His assessment of Emery was quite hesitant too. How things change Part 2…🤣🤣🤣
I can highly recommend old articles both here and on the Holy Trinity Show. Very enlightening.
Enjoyed the Arsenal game last night. So, Arsenal should be highly confident going into the Spurs game while Chelsea will be the opposite going into their game with us.
A win for us and a loss for Spurs and we’re just about there.
Another 2 massive games, 1874. Hopefully both go our way!
As a long term Villa fan, you do worry though…!!! 🙂 I hope Cole isn’t playig even though he’s meant to be Chesty’s best mate!!!
Don’t put a jinx on it!
It would be just our luck for Chelsea to bounce-back and do what they did to us in the Cup a few weeks back.
Emery will be ready this time…
Yep.
Chelsea are the ultimate Jekyll and Hyde team. Hopefully, we get the one we want on Saturday: the big shower of s***e version. If not, it’ll be a close battle, with plenty of energy expended going into Thursday’s semi-final…
Hitch and friends
Hitch you mentioned the gambling deal which I agree with you and I am perfectly happy with this sponsorship.
Moreover, to make Villa great again and into a trophy winning team, we need to generate significant funds. especially with the changes coming in about 70% expenditure to turnover.
I know some are negative towards Mr Heck. I am not one, his record prior to Villa is exceptional. This quote by him today demonstrates his worth to the club and what he is doing.
“What we’ve done in 11 months, we’ve cleared up a lot of, let’s say, not great contracts,” Heck said at SportsPro Live 2024. “We have reinvented ourselves. We will be launching the next generation of our brand, coming up in a few weeks.
“We have doubled our front-of-shirt deal, plus we have doubled our sleeve deal, plus we have doubled our kit deal.
“I haven’t been talking much because honestly we have been working to get this accomplished and now it’s time to share that the big six, who we are chasing, quite frankly we are ready to kick the door down.”
I think he will match commercially Emery’s on field genius off field. If anyone can bridge the financial gap, Heck will.
What does seem interesting is that it appears all the deals / projects Purslow worked on, Heck has stopped or changed.
Good post Sid.
Mr. Heck is not everyone’s favourite character – Terrace View, Lower Grounds, the badge debate and the U turn on stadium development have upset quite a number of (influential) members of various fan groups. There is no doubt these are contentious decisions and there is a feeling that Villa have not been ‘completely honest’ particularly over the club crest.
I mention this just to show that Heck’s single minded drive to attract global sponsorship and revenue isn’t without consequences.
Having said that revenue is now the key component of achieving the ambition of our owners. Without it growing substantially we are in no position to leverage the club with owner investment.
Heck clearly has a global reach that Purslow didn’t enjoy.
Right man, right time.
Personally I don’t like seeing betting ads on club shirts (or anywhere else, for that matter); and as I understand it they’ll have to disappear from all football shirts, etc., in 2 years time. So I’ll swallow my principles for a season or two…
Heck may not please a lot of fans, and I’m sure there’ll be more controversial decisions announced in the coming months.
But we either really mean to get into the ‘elite’ or we don’t: the alternative is being constantly down in the bottom 8 of the Prem., or even ending up like the Small Heath lot.
Crystal Palace looking very strong at home now. I wouldn’t want to need the final game for 3 points. Let’s get over the line before that…
Going through a purple patch – they do have some very good players though.
But I agree with you BFR – don’t leave it to the last day of the season. It makes for exciting viewing but it plays havoc with my liver 🙂
Absolutely. Either (or both) Olise and Eze would be superstars at VP under Emery in my opinion. They’d be at least as good as Bailey. And that’s a compliment to Bailey.
The Chelsea game is massive before Europe. I disagree with Bum Bum; Spurs aren’t done. If we think that, we’re in for a nasty surprise. Home straight. Step on the gas. Do not slow down or relax!
I think ‘we’ can thing that, but I don’t suspect for one second Emery is taking it for granted! Quite the opposite in fact.
I still think Spuds will be lucky to pick up more than 7 points the rest of the season. Meet back here on the 18th May, BFR???? 🙂
🙂👍
Pre-season tour – we’re going back to the States and it looks very interesting indeed.
First we play MLS Champions Columbus Crew then RB Leipzig then Mexican Champions Club America. Then, on August 10th, we go to Germany to play Borussia Dortmund.
A challenging set of fixtures which leads me to think that Emery wants his team to get some minutes against top teams as preparation for the CL.
And there’s the annual Walsall game to look forward to 🙂
Who will they conjure up for the last pre-season fixture at VP?
My thoughts exactly when I saw it. Even if we lose them all, it’s about what they will learn from that; what Unai will learn, and what he will teach them.