Birmingham City blogger invades Aston Villa Blog, there’s bound to be trouble!

June 3, 2009 by Martin Banks
Filed under: Aston Villa 

A few months back I was searching for something online, to do with blogs, I don’t recall exactly what, but long story short I found a message board and some bloke had posted the answer to what I wanted to know. He seemed like a nice helpful fella so I contacted him for more info and he responded quickly and politely and efficiently. Imagine my horror when I discovered that this bloke had his very own… Birmingham City Blog!! And not just that, but it also bore more than a passing resemblance to my one for the better half of Birmingham.

Joy and Sorrows it is called and I’m sure if you’re so inclined it is a good read, but who in their right mind wants to read about Birmingham City?! ;)

Anyway, he recently got in touch with me and asked me to do a posting on his blog, talking of their chances for next season, so I obliged and requested him to return the favour. And here it is, I hope you enjoy the guest, ladies and gentlemen, I introduce Kev Ball:

I asked Martin to answer some questions relating to our return to the Premier League and he has kindly done so. As a result it only seems fair to do the same!

I do have some Villa connections, my Brother in Law is a season ticket holder, (although my sister is a Bluenose!) I also post on the odd forum that has both sets of fans and I have found the majority of fans to be very fair about things. I hope you find my observations the same.

I am using the same questions I asked Martin, with a slight change to question 3.

1. How do you think we will fare this season?

Villa fans must have mixed feelings about the season just finished. At one point you looked odds on a Champions League place and one of the stronger teams in the Uefa Cup. Things seemed to go off the rails after you appeared to give up the Uefa cup – an odd one that, I know the Premier League is important – but as one of your ex- managers once said – success breeds success and I would have thought you would have gone for that cup.

Why re-cap? Well I believe you are well set for next season. You need to sort your home form and it’ll be important to keep key players. (More of that later). I don’t see why you can’t finish in the European places again – however I suspect you will need some cover. The biggest problem that teams outside of the top 4 have, is the size of the squad.

2. Where do we need to strengthen?

Like Martin said about us, I don’t follow the Villa too closely, but I suspect you need cover for both midfield and defence. That shouldn’t be too difficult, as the side has proved to there or there abouts – and cover players are easier to find.

3. Which players will be essential for Villa next season?

Without a doubt Barry and Young are key players, but from the few games I saw, I was impressed with Carew. If Barry does end up leaving, (although I think he won’t as you are in Europe again), he will be tricky to replace. If you want to loan Damien Johnson, just give us a shout. ;-)

4. What has changed in terms of playing styles since Blues were last up in 07/08?

From watching some Premier League games this season, it appears that teams are playing even quicker and have more strength than previously. Villa have proved they are well set in both of these attributes to compete with the big four.

5. Have you visited our ground? What did you make of your Villa away day experience?

I don’t get to many games as I live in Devon, my experiences of away days to Villa go back to before the Premier League. I really hope that the problems that occured at St Andrews last time, (something that STILL makes me cross), don’t cause problems at either ground this year. I hope there is an electric, but safe atmosphere.

6. What do you think the score will be when we play you this season?

These games are so difficult to judge – however we have to be considered as serious under dogs. I fear that we will lose to you at VP, but I would hope we might get a positive result at St Andrews.

Just to finish, last Sunday I supported the Villa for the first time in my life and relieved that you relegated Newcastle. I don’t have a problem with them, but it makes our possibility to survive slightly easier. Oh by the way, I still feel dirty. ;-)


Comments

3 Comments on Birmingham City blogger invades Aston Villa Blog, there’s bound to be trouble!

  1. Kev Ball on Wed, 3rd Jun 2009 11:53

    2. Is it too late to modify my response to question 3?

    If I was a Villa fan, I’d be furious with Barry. I mean – Man City?????

    Footballers never cease to amaze me.

  2. salty on Thu, 16th Jul 2009 11:45

    3. gareth barry is just an fuckin arsehole, he wanted champions league football and who does he join manchester city. The only reason he is there is 4 the money. I hope sum1 breaks the bastards legs wen he cums 2 villa park. Gareth Barry is a WWWWAAAAAANNNNNKKKEEEERRRRR

  3. STEVE AFVC on Fri, 30th Oct 2009 20:45

    4. Salty- Foo f**k sake – we were all upset when Barry left our great club for the shieks miillions but wishing that is totally out of order – but I agree that hes the biggest wa*ker now

    UTV

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