21 Mar 2018 09:21:43
Feeling quietly confident this morning, news coming out from the players that they believe 6 or 7 wins in our last 8 games will be enough for automatics, thinking about it they are probably right. Cardiff are on a brilliant run, however it is very unlikely they will continue this till the end of the season and if they did they deserve to go up, with that being said they were on an amazing run before Christmas and then lost 4 on the bounce, with Derby, Wolves and us in their next 4 it wouldn't be that shocking if it happened again. I believe we have more than enough to make play offs comfortably, and if that's where we end up I think over two legs we have enough ability and experience to beat anyone over two legs, and in the final I think with the likes of Terry and Bruce who have been there and done it we can get over the line. Hutton is back in full training, Green and Kodjia both played 45 minutes in a friendly yesterday, seems like things are all coming together for a last push. The likes of Grealish, Terry, Snodgrass and Adomah who aren't involved in international duty will be resting and then coming back keeping fitness up raring to go. The next 8 games could really be the biggest of our recent history, let's enjoy it as one, when we went down we were a shambles on and off the pitch, I couldn't have picked more than 3 players who I liked and I thought cared, every week you'd hear "we want our villa back", now we have got a squad who get it, and get us, the connection between the team, the club and the fans is back, so no matter what happens in the next 8 I think we can agree we have got our villa back, and we've got a squad of players who give us 100% and do us proud.
21 Mar 2018 14:04:58
You’ll be glad to know you’re in good company Chris. Highlights from the Supporters Trust AGM last night (specifically the Wyness/ Round session) .
There is a general strong belief within the club (players and management) that we can still automatically go up. Steve Round talked a lot about the noticeable changes this season up at Bodymoor, with a wholly different attitude, team spirit and desire to wear the shirt. With the players they brought in, he said it was as much about attitude as ability. Terry has been instrumental in the dressing room and training as you would imagine
However, there are two parallel plans being worked – one if we go up, one if we don’t. This includes planned player recruitment as well as the ‘who will stay and who will go’ debate. In terms of player recruitment, they are looking within the UK, across Europe and have a particular focus on scouting right across South America (dedicated Scout) .
Kodja played 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors match yesterday and came through well. Now has 2 weeks of the international break to train with the squad. Should be back before the end of the season – probably not for the Hull game but possibly the ones after that.
Not that it’s at the top of the list of priorities but we are getting a brand-new pitch over the summer. It was due to be done for this season but the day they were discussing it with Dr Tony we won a ‘pitch of the year award’ so he decided to give it another season.
On the subject of loan players, Steve Round reminded us that, if we do get promoted, we will only be allowed two on the team-sheet at any one time (4 currently I think) . Also, in answer to a direct question, none of our loan players are on a ‘guaranteed’ number of games deal.
Lots of positive stuff about the quality of the Under 23’s coming through, though I think there was a general feeling it would be nice to see more of them being blooded in the 1st team.
Round seemed pretty sure Terry will stay if we get promoted (“has expressed an interest”), but will depend on FFP if we don’t. On the subject of FFP, Wyness said that there is currently an active debate around getting the allowances raised for next season (which Villa are leading) . Apparently currently 17 clubs are in agreement, but they need 18 votes. Make of that what you will.
Follow-on session with Peter Wythe and Sean Teale was entertaining, but tales of just how pissed Paul McGrath was most of the time will have to wait for another day .
21 Mar 2018 15:49:14
That’s the best post I have read on here for a long time. Thanks guys.
21 Mar 2018 16:10:26
Thanks Flackie. Oh and I forgot to add one of the most important points - they're also looking at how to increase the number of disabled toilets in the North Stand because apparently there aren't enough.
21 Mar 2018 16:35:56
Menace, I enjoyed reading your post mate, it is very informative, with some great news and topics.
Chris, I think our chances of going up automatically have more or less evaporated mate.
Mathematically yes it is still possible, but I honestly think we have missed our chance especially after our last couple of results, which unfortunately highlighted numerous weaknesses.
The playoffs I think are our best chance if not our only chance, and I do agree that over two legs we are capable of beating any team in this division, if we turn up.
21 Mar 2018 18:02:15
Agree about this brilliant post,
Very well put over to us fans.
21 Mar 2018 20:00:14
I’m with Dave on this, I think we had our opportunity, and somehow threw it away after the wolves result. However, that result shows we are capable, if the players don’t freeze.
Over two legs, with the second at vp. I wouldn’t bet against us, a one off match at Wembley? Who knows. but hoping that jt’s Experience of the place, with his big game nouse might be a factor, but I know it’s a straw I’m holding! But I’m not letting go!
22 Mar 2018 07:48:04
The 2 defeats have been a massive dent in our quest for top 2 finish,
We can still do it it's not impossible but the way that Cardiff are going it's looking they hold the box seat,
As for the play-offs we need to finish in 3rd or 4th to play our first games away from home,
Would rather we get to play at home in 2nd leg,
What we have to watch is that we make them play-offs in first place,
There are many sides gaining on us and 2 more defeats would be very worrying,
But I'm confident we will make the play-offs,
There are still many surprising twists around the corner to end of season,
