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      OPPOSITION VIEW - ASTON VILLA Q&A

Ahead of Sunday's ding dong derby at Villa Park, David Michael of My Old Man Said gives us his thoughts on Aston Villa's past, present and somewhat uncertain future . . .

Why Villa?

As a kid it was an instinctual choice – the sound of the name and the colours of the kit. At the time, I lived in Lincoln, everybody around me seemed to support Liverpool, but luckily I’ve always had my own mind.

How long a fan?

Over three decades now. I’ve seen them win everything, apart from the FA Cup. Paul Lambert’s first trophy for the club?

Highlight of supporting the club?

Winning the European Cup 1982, I remember watching it home alone as a kid. Then, it would be going to Wembley to see Villa beat my old man’s team Manchester United in the League Cup Final in 1994.

Favourite current Villa player?

After last season, no one stands out at the moment. I’m still hoping Marc Albrighton will become the new Tony Morley. If Gary Gardner steps up (he currently has a long-term injury), he could be the kind of goal scoring midfielder Villa haven’t had for years. If all goes to plan he’s Villa’s future captain too.

Favourite all-time Villa player?

Paul McGrath. I once saw him clear an opposition’s goal kick back over the half way line with a back-heeled volley. Only an alcoholic would try that!

Thoughts on last season?

Terrible. In many ways it was worse than the season Villa last got relegated. I’ve seen some bad Villa games over the years, but some of the matches I witnessed last season were on a whole new level. I was more unhappy though, with the sometimes patronising nature of the club’s marketing to fans during this period. It clearly showed there are some people at the club who aren’t real football people and have a lack of empathy and understanding of supporters.

Happy to see the back of Alex McLeish?

What do you think? He ended our great record of 32 years unbeaten at Villa Park vs the Baggies! Not to mention registering the lowest amount of wins at Villa Park in a season (four) since the league was formed in 1874 and also Villa’s poorest record since the Premiership was formed.

Happy with the appointment of Paul Lambert?

He’s as good as we could have wished for and at the perfect time in his career. He’s a serious-minded guy and has a chance to really make his name at the club. He’s not one to suffer fools and isn’t afraid to take a hard line approach (bye-bye Alan Hutton and Stephen Warnock), plus he has an expansive understanding of the game on many fronts with a good European scouting network. Personally, I think Lambert could be Villa’s best and only chance of success in the near future. We may not have the cash to compete with the top tier of teams, but Lambert may in a season or two have a proper team in the old school sense of the word. By bringing through a bunch of talented youngsters, they will have a collective spirit, desire and togetherness, which teams with the high-waged egos can’t match. Add a couple of match winners and it’s a potential recipe for success.

What do you make of Villa’s start to the season?

As expected. I don’t think it will be possible to have a real insight into Lambert’s Villa until at least 10 games have been played. As well as Lambert rebuilding the team from scratch in terms of their style, ethos and attitude, there was still the lack of belief and shattered confidence over spilling from last season, that needed addressing. The cup win against Man City would have gone a long way to doing that. That result will hopefully have a short term galvanising effect on both the team and supporters.

Who’s been your best player so far?

To early to pinpoint a stand out guy. Although, I do think Christian Benteke has given Villa an extra dimension up front and something for the opposition to think about. Before he came they were too predictable and had no one to unsettle and open up defences

Anyone been a let-down, anyone been particularly poor?

Stephen Ireland still divides fans. He’s showed sparks and his effort is improving, but he’s still a way off what he should be doing.

Prediction and thoughts for the season?

If Lambert can get everything clicked into place soon and the team plays with fire in their belly, then we could still do something in terms of upper half and a cup run. Most Villa fans will say, ‘Happy with mid-table’, but the teams in the middle are of much of the sameness, so if you can get your team together, Top 10 is a reality for any decent outfit. To be honest, after two false ‘transitional seasons’, this time it’s for real, so next season will be a better indication in terms of how far Villa have progressed under Lambert.

Prediction and thoughts for Albion’s season?

If Albion’s home form and defensive record holds firm, it could be an impressive season. Like I said, Top 10 is possible for any half-decent team, if Albion maintain their belief. The double win versus the Merseyside teams, especially the win against Everton (it was like men against boys when they came to Villa Park), suggest this Baggies team has potential. It’s very early days yet though...there’s still more chance Albion being in the bottom four at the end of the season, then staying in their current top four place!

Albion player you admire?

I’d glad to see Zoltan Gera back in the team, after his long-term injury last season. Sometimes smaller players who have excellent technique get lost in the Premiership. Also, there must be mention of Liam Ridgewell, who most Villa fans regarded as a championship defender at best. He’s done great since he left Villa and even got a cup winners medal with the Blues. I always remember a few years back when Villa had an injury crisis at the back, so they played a very young Gary Cahill and Liam Ridgewell as the centre back partnership against Manchester United in the FA Cup. They were immense that day and if it wasn’t for a late fumble by the pyjama bottom wearing Hungarian goalkeeper we had on emergency loan, we’d have got a draw at Old Trafford. O’Neil foolishly got rid of both of them, preferring to bring in Zat Knight.

Any particular memory of Villa v Albion games that stands out?

I always remember watching Match of the Day as a kid and the 4-3 game at Villa Park, which was the first game of the 1983/84 season. I still remember John Motson screaming ‘And Zondervannnnnn!’ As Romeo Zondervan hit a rocket past Nigel Spinks to open the scoring. It was 3-3 at half-time! The mighty Martin Jol (now Fulham manager) should have made it 4-4 in the dying minutes.

14 minutes of the highlights, but it doesn’t have Romeo Zondervan’s goal!)

Premier League Champions?

I care less and less. I don’t think this is a vintage Manchester United team; they certainly shouldn’t have lost the title last year. Manchester City – are like some Frankenstein’s monster. A better manager with that team would have a guaranteed title. Mancini adds weakness, as I don’t think he’s a great man manager, which they need with huge salary egos they’ve got. I think Chelsea’s revamped midfield and their European Cup win confidence boost will see them in the mix this year at the end too.

Three teams for the drop?

Wigan (at last?), Reading and Norwich

Prediction for Sunday’s game?

Result-wise, it could go any which way. I think we’ll find out how good West Brom are going to be this season. If they beat Villa, regardless of local pride, it would be an indication of a decent season ahead. But I’m going Villa 2-1.

David Michael @ www.myoldmansaid.com

 

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