Villas demise was when Martin O’Neil left and our star players were getting tapped up.
I agree that there are pivotal points in the past that explain outcomes.
Though my mental state was sometimes dependent on the football. I was never aggressive about it but noticed a boost in mood or a slump. I am incredibly superstitious when it comes to football. For me it’s a bit of escapism, maybe more so, and it give a bit of respite and a break from everything for an hour or two.
Now though I still love the villa and keep abreast with all the news and results… after reading this and more “meh” when results don’t go our way and don’t blame players or managers or get annoyed and adopt a “comme ci comme sa” approach
The Chinese Farmer
“A long time ago, a poor Chinese farmer lost a horse, and all the neighbors came around and said, “well that’s too bad.” The farmer said, “maybe.” Shortly after, the horse returned bringing another horse with him, and all the neighbors came around and said, “well that’s good fortune,” to which the farmer replied, “maybe.” The next day, the farmer’s son was trying to tame the new horse and fell, breaking his leg, and all the neighbors came around and said, “well that’s too bad,” and the farmer replied, “maybe.” Shortly after, the emperor declared war on a neighboring nation and ordered all able-bodied men to come fight—many died or were badly maimed, but the farmer’s son was unable to fight and spared due to his injury. And all the neighbors came around and said, “well that’s good fortune,” to which the farmer replied, “maybe.” And so the story goes.”
That being said “Gerrard was useless and should never have come to Villa”
Never understood story m8, but my reaction is the decision to bring in Gerrard was based on his name rarther than managerial ability.
In favour of the decision, (at the time)
A successful stint at Rangers in such a short time, and of course his potential as a manager anyway.
Against the decision (at the time)
A massive difference between competition and quality comparing England and Scottish football. How experienced as a manager was he? Had he of been successful would he of left for Liverpool? Potential is not a garuntee.
I don’t think one team can dominate or maintain a level of consistency in a competitive and rich league.
If one team wins, it is believed that room for improvement/change is unnecessary and unwarranted, in which other losing teams will look to do the opposite.
Players get older, too cushie, and hit their peak and begin to decline and players have “undroppable” status based on past achievement and though it’s hard to let go through loyalty football is conveyor-belt.
Wenger and Arsenal along with Man Utd and Ferguson were eras in the clubs history. During which their decline was due to other teams improving and shortening the gap that managers particular foreign managers would be an easy target as to a reason of decline.
Emery has always been a class manager but any manager taking over an institution of a manager will always be in a difficult position to maintain or exceed past success without financial backing and other teams not changing or improving.
@Rammie18@Iain@diana@Erica
I’m currently watching Utd stroll to victory against Chelsea 2-0.
Without sounding bias if you consider the top4 this season it would be very difficult for Liverpool to dislodge them next season
Stranger things can happen next season @anon06 that’s why we love the beautiful game, although I bow to yours, @Iain and @Rammie18 's technical knowledge.
Honestly I don’t want to sound bias, but…
While Im sure they feel aggrieved, would you do the same if it was your teams?
Im sure if Ian, Diana and myself could think of decisions that never went our way that put us under relegation threat. Yet we had to accept refs mistakes eg giving Harry Kane an Osca scenario. Ok if you don’t ask you don’t get, but really, mind you there is a world of difference between decisions that relegate a team and those that mean a team still qualifies for Europe.
Do they think they will be compensated financially?! I don’t think so?!
Hi all,
As I’ve said before I’m old school. At that old school I was told the referees are the sole judge and must be respected both as a person and for the wellbeing of the game!
Argueing with, swearing at and assaulting referees so poorly regulated both by the teams and the Associations! A few yellow cards if not red may calm some of these overrated prima donnas?
For corners the ball was on the quadrant not wherever the taker wants to put it!
For throw-ins they are taken where the ball goes out and not stroll 5 strides towards the opposition!
Football is a contact sport but not excessively. Body to body contact was restricted to shoulder to shoulder. Not the all-in wrestling that accompanies every tackle!
Football we are told is a simple game. 90 minutes of play between 2 teams but to ‘warrant stupid money’ and fill 24 hours of TV pundits then the actual game plays second fiddle to rule breaking, 'dodgy" club finances, scandals and “what colour knickers is the ref wearing today?”
It’s the Clubs that have allowed the simple game to become a subjective feast for pundits and referees alike. As such thems that play outside the rules get what they deserve.
No sympathy if they want to 'take their ball home" and cry.
Good reply Ian. Looking at the incident directly, I don’t know how you can be offside when the opponent passes to to you, yet I would make no officail complaint over an individual incident.
However I would welcome if all clubs wrote collectively to the “powers that be” about a change to the law in favour of the attacking team. Two years ago Jordan Henderson scored a perfectly good goal against Everton, but at the time Mane was in an offside position, well his sleeve was. Goal disallowed (much to my relief I admit).
If a player scores a goal on the edge of the box and his teammate is beyond the last defender the goal should stand. By the same token if a keeper parries the ball out and it falls to a forward anticipating a mistake who subsequently scores, and was beyond the last defender the goal should stand.
I look forward to hearing what eveyone has to say.
Leicester relegation phase 1 completed with the Ladies staying in the WSL. As for the the Mens tomorrow I think its more hope than anything. Toffees are holding the aces even if the Foxes get the win. No disrespect but I think the Tykes are down all but.
I’d rather not comment on 2moro other than if I hear "A point may do Everton " Ill crack up!
Currently I am watching the play off final Coventry 1 V Luton 1
25 mins gone in extra time
Luton won a sudden death penalty shootout, I feel sorry for Coventry, but am glad Luton won.
Luton did actually finish 3rd two places & TEN Points ahead of Coventry.
Hi @anon06 I am probably not answering your question as you had hoped, but there is just so, so much at stake for both sides and what a wonderful sight the fans made in the stadium.
Actually I have no preference in who wins, it is obviously a very close game, but I hate it when it is down to penalties as I feel it is a team game and not just down to player v goalie, so much at stake for them.
Congrats to Luton and commiserations to Coventry, what a close score.
@Erica
I would agree with those sentiments, but given the secario based on 9 months as discussed earlier as a 47 year old neutral, Im just glad Luton won. Although it is a heartbreaker for Coventry.
It was a watched final where I wasn’t really rooting for anyone as each of their stories are amazing.
I’m really glad both teams scored and had their moment to celebrate and it was an extremely tight game where though it went to penalties any team could’ve won.
Deeply concerned when lockyear collapsed though. Really scary how it’s becoming more frequent but by being more frequent matches and stadiums are more prepared.
Being a villa fan I saw the heartache and joy of the playoffs and think they are ace. I totally agree that they are unfair when a team standouts from the rest and significantly done better. There needs to be more of an advantage for the teams finishing 3rd.
I absolutely love the Indian ipl playoffs which if adopted would mean
3rd v 4th winner goes to final
5th v 6th winner plays loser of 3rd v 4th and that winner goes to final
But I can see why the premier league would never adopt such a thing.
I understand opinions differ, but 60% of me disagrees with them. Of course that is just me, as you suggested @Rammie18 they could be weighted in favour of 3rd place. Eg 3rd gets bye to final 4th 5th 6th go in triangular league, you could stretch semis to 7th instead, but I’m not sure how both my ideas would work? Rugby League have play offs, not sure about Union perhaps @Iain could offer some ideas.
Most importantly glad Lockyear was ok
Well its only a game not as though its a matter of life and death. Now bring on Leeds and Southampton .
anon06 you can out now from the back of the sofa.
A “Worldie” goal and a “worldie” save in the same game, rescued Everton, those things don’t happen often in favour of the same team. My sincere commisarations @Iain
Both our great clubs should have never have been in this scenario. I can’t speak for Leicester properly, but Everton have been run into the ground by a bunch of clueless individuals! On the day your team really had hard luck.
All the very best in promotion
Call me old fashioned, but I think that football changed when the teams did not comprise of local residents and local supporters playing on a Saturday afternoon.
Perhaps that is where the saying ‘money is the root of all evil’ comes from.
Just laughed when the Arsenal and Man City results came through, it’s a bit late now!!!
Hi Guys an’ Gels.
Regarda play offs its a money maker both in match income and for the bookies. I’m not for it but it’s a sign of the protracted ‘screw the punter’ in sport. How is Football or Golf worth £millions per event?
As an ‘old school’ boomer as a kid it was home internationals. Every team had a Scotsman! Football got you out of Glasgow shipyards, Belfast mills, Northumbrian mines and the East End of London and other working class society.
Now a different story both in the international makeups of club teams and the working mans game. How much is a ticket to see the Gunners?
SKY TV wouldn’t survive without inflated sport, especially soccer… Murdoch and media making their own market.
As for the Toffees is Dyche the man for the club? From the outside I think so. He was a performer keeping Burnley in the Prem for so long. As for the backroom management I can’t comment. Owners etc are not the ‘working man’.
At Leicester we’ve been very fortunate with the current owners. Hard nosed businessmen yes but ask anyone in the City and they will immediately refer to their philanthropy especially in public issues such as the Royal Infirmary.
not as though its a matter of life and death. Now bring on Leeds and Southampton 
.