Comments on: Villa should focus on 5th and the Europa League and drop the Champions League ambitions for now http://astonvillablog.com/villa-should-focus-on-5th-and-the-europa-league-and-drop-the-champions-league-ambitions-for-now/ A blog. About Aston Villa. Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:40:40 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: andy villa http://astonvillablog.com/villa-should-focus-on-5th-and-the-europa-league-and-drop-the-champions-league-ambitions-for-now/comment-page-1/#comment-756 andy villa Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:20:39 +0000 http://astonvillablog.com/?p=2125#comment-756 we are 5th in the overall prem table... however, football is a completely different kettle of fish nowadays as to when we were finishing 2nd and 4th... we were regressing as a football club under ellis, and now we are heading in the opposite direction... i would say that every true villa fan deserves us to progress as a club... how fast we progress though, in the minds of individual fans, is purely subjective... we are 5th in the overall prem table…

however, football is a completely different kettle of fish nowadays as to when we were finishing 2nd and 4th…

we were regressing as a football club under ellis, and now we are heading in the opposite direction…

i would say that every true villa fan deserves us to progress as a club…

how fast we progress though, in the minds of individual fans, is purely subjective…

]]> By: Simeon http://astonvillablog.com/villa-should-focus-on-5th-and-the-europa-league-and-drop-the-champions-league-ambitions-for-now/comment-page-1/#comment-755 Simeon Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:02:03 +0000 http://astonvillablog.com/?p=2125#comment-755 Andy villa, under Ellis, we managed two 2nd's and a 4th. And we won 2 League Cups (when the competition actually meant something). I believe we are in the top 6 or 7 most successful clubs in terms of league positions since the Premier League was inaugurated. I'm not suggesting this is an acceptable level of succes. But it seems to me that, on this basis, we are, relatively speaking, about where we were when Ellis was in charge. Of course, if Ellis had remained, we'd probably be in the Championship, but if you're trying to tell me that being a top half team in the Premiership is something to get excited about, then you deserve nothing better than what you're going get. Andy villa, under Ellis, we managed two 2nd’s and a 4th. And we won 2 League Cups (when the competition actually meant something). I believe we are in the top 6 or 7 most successful clubs in terms of league positions since the Premier League was inaugurated. I’m not suggesting this is an acceptable level of succes. But it seems to me that, on this basis, we are, relatively speaking, about where we were when Ellis was in charge. Of course, if Ellis had remained, we’d probably be in the Championship, but if you’re trying to tell me that being a top half team in the Premiership is something to get excited about, then you deserve nothing better than what you’re going get.

]]> By: andy villa http://astonvillablog.com/villa-should-focus-on-5th-and-the-europa-league-and-drop-the-champions-league-ambitions-for-now/comment-page-1/#comment-752 andy villa Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:31:16 +0000 http://astonvillablog.com/?p=2125#comment-752 or maybe some of us are realistic and have the knowledge and foresight to look at the longer term picture, rather than merely looking for quick fixes... looking at where we were under ellis, and where we are now, you can see the difference.... or maybe some of us are realistic and have the knowledge and foresight to look at the longer term picture, rather than merely looking for quick fixes…

looking at where we were under ellis, and where we are now, you can see the difference….

]]> By: Simeon http://astonvillablog.com/villa-should-focus-on-5th-and-the-europa-league-and-drop-the-champions-league-ambitions-for-now/comment-page-1/#comment-751 Simeon Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:19:46 +0000 http://astonvillablog.com/?p=2125#comment-751 I broadly agree with Timmy, although I would add that I think this post is not only a disgrace, but also betrays an inability to see beyond one's own nose, and to put two consecutive thoughts together. The irony is that this article is making a pitch for the rational, sensible, middle ground, but actually has no basis in reality. Aston Villa should be aiming to be be the very best it can be. This season, being the best we could have been was, as a minimum, finishing in the top 4. We've fallen short of that, because O'Neill has made unforgivable mistakes. Next season, the best we'll be able to hope for could well be a top 8 finish. 5th will look like a pipe dream. And the Europa League can now never be anything other than a joke because of O'Neill's actions this season. Next season shows every sign of being as depressing as this season, but somehow, I suspect there will be a significant number of Villa fans who will be satisfied with utter mediocrity. It seems that Ellis' most profoud legacy is spawning a fanbase as small-minded and lacking in ambition as he was. What happened to us? We used to be a proud club. I broadly agree with Timmy, although I would add that I think this post is not only a disgrace, but also betrays an inability to see beyond one’s own nose, and to put two consecutive thoughts together. The irony is that this article is making a pitch for the rational, sensible, middle ground, but actually has no basis in reality. Aston Villa should be aiming to be be the very best it can be. This season, being the best we could have been was, as a minimum, finishing in the top 4. We’ve fallen short of that, because O’Neill has made unforgivable mistakes. Next season, the best we’ll be able to hope for could well be a top 8 finish. 5th will look like a pipe dream. And the Europa League can now never be anything other than a joke because of O’Neill’s actions this season. Next season shows every sign of being as depressing as this season, but somehow, I suspect there will be a significant number of Villa fans who will be satisfied with utter mediocrity. It seems that Ellis’ most profoud legacy is spawning a fanbase as small-minded and lacking in ambition as he was. What happened to us? We used to be a proud club.

]]> By: Timmy http://astonvillablog.com/villa-should-focus-on-5th-and-the-europa-league-and-drop-the-champions-league-ambitions-for-now/comment-page-1/#comment-748 Timmy Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:46:26 +0000 http://astonvillablog.com/?p=2125#comment-748 I agree that Champs League is now out of the question and focusing on 5th is our only option. However, I think we could have made Champs league this season if we hadn't have stopped believing (Which ironically I think was caused by MON choosing the prem, and the push for 4th, over the UEFA Cup) He basically said we aint gonna win shit in Europe and yuo'll be lucky to make 4th. He stopped believing and that caused the team to crumble. (other influences being the loss of Laursen and the introduction of Heskey) We were on fire and everyone was scared of playing Villa. Team spirit, confidence, and the belief that we can acheive anything can easily overcome the shortfalls of a small squad or not having a team of superstars. (Barry, Laursen and Young ARE world Class) Just imagine if we did make the champions league. Name on the map and an influx of top quality players. Look at the semi finals of the CL for this season and last. 3 English teams for the last 2 years. We're now 5th in the English League. Makes us at least 6th best in Europe ;) It's football and anything can happen. 4th wasnt miles away. It's all about belief. I agree that Champs League is now out of the question and focusing on 5th is our only option.

However, I think we could have made Champs league this season if we hadn’t have stopped believing (Which ironically I think was caused by MON choosing the prem, and the push for 4th, over the UEFA Cup) He basically said we aint gonna win shit in Europe and yuo’ll be lucky to make 4th. He stopped believing and that caused the team to crumble.
(other influences being the loss of Laursen and the introduction of Heskey)

We were on fire and everyone was scared of playing Villa. Team spirit, confidence, and the belief that we can acheive anything can easily overcome the shortfalls of a small squad or not having a team of superstars. (Barry, Laursen and Young ARE world Class)

Just imagine if we did make the champions league. Name on the map and an influx of top quality players. Look at the semi finals of the CL for this season and last. 3 English teams for the last 2 years. We’re now 5th in the English League. Makes us at least 6th best in Europe ;)

It’s football and anything can happen. 4th wasnt miles away. It’s all about belief.

]]> By: neill http://astonvillablog.com/villa-should-focus-on-5th-and-the-europa-league-and-drop-the-champions-league-ambitions-for-now/comment-page-1/#comment-747 neill Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:24:20 +0000 http://astonvillablog.com/?p=2125#comment-747 NA-SEI you sound like a spa.. HA HA HA SPA 4 LIFE!! DICK NA-SEI you sound like a spa..
HA HA HA
SPA 4 LIFE!!

DICK

]]> By: McParland http://astonvillablog.com/villa-should-focus-on-5th-and-the-europa-league-and-drop-the-champions-league-ambitions-for-now/comment-page-1/#comment-746 McParland Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:17:36 +0000 http://astonvillablog.com/?p=2125#comment-746 All i wish to say is that since Martin Laursen was out we have just not compeated as we did previously ,so irrispective of wishing to finish 4th or 5th we need a larger stronger squad to compensate for costly injuries like Laursens and Bouma; we need others of his leadership qualities to fill the gaps when they ultimately appear. All i wish to say is that since Martin Laursen was out we have just not compeated as we did previously ,so irrispective of wishing to finish 4th or 5th we need a larger stronger squad to compensate for costly injuries like Laursens and Bouma; we need others of his leadership qualities to fill the gaps when they ultimately appear.

]]> By: Na-Sei http://astonvillablog.com/villa-should-focus-on-5th-and-the-europa-league-and-drop-the-champions-league-ambitions-for-now/comment-page-1/#comment-745 Na-Sei Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:14:54 +0000 http://astonvillablog.com/?p=2125#comment-745 How can you guys even think about Champions League seriously?? I mean your whole team is a shambles! Zat knight is one of the worst centre backs period!! Luke young is Garbage, Heskey is Abysmal! You don't have ANY world class players and to me honest u guys are not good enough for champions league, your team is ONE DIMENTIONAL! Arsenal were always going to claim that 4th spot, we just let u villa fans get excited!! Arsenal are in champions league to win NOT just to make up the numbers! EUROPA league is more your standard!!! Ha Ha Ha Gunner 4 Life!! [Edit by MB: Na-Sei, you will notice that Villa fans talk with constructive criticism about Arsenal and don't just trash them. Whereas you just come on here (A Villa Blog you dumbfuck) and spout shit and make yourself look like a totally thick wanker. You obviously chose to support Arsenal because they were successful. Well take that quote of 'One dimensional' and consider how applicable it is to yourself. And learn how to spell the word if you feel it's important enough for block caps. Go embarrass yourself elsewhere] How can you guys even think about Champions League seriously?? I mean your whole team is a shambles! Zat knight is one of the worst centre backs period!! Luke young is Garbage, Heskey is Abysmal! You don’t have ANY world class players and to me honest u guys are not good enough for champions league, your team is ONE DIMENTIONAL!
Arsenal were always going to claim that 4th spot, we just let u villa fans get excited!!
Arsenal are in champions league to win NOT just to make up the numbers! EUROPA league is more your standard!!!
Ha Ha Ha
Gunner 4 Life!!

[Edit by MB: Na-Sei, you will notice that Villa fans talk with constructive criticism about Arsenal and don't just trash them. Whereas you just come on here (A Villa Blog you dumbfuck) and spout shit and make yourself look like a totally thick wanker. You obviously chose to support Arsenal because they were successful. Well take that quote of 'One dimensional' and consider how applicable it is to yourself. And learn how to spell the word if you feel it's important enough for block caps. Go embarrass yourself elsewhere]

]]> By: andy villa http://astonvillablog.com/villa-should-focus-on-5th-and-the-europa-league-and-drop-the-champions-league-ambitions-for-now/comment-page-1/#comment-744 andy villa Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:09:41 +0000 http://astonvillablog.com/?p=2125#comment-744 couldnt agree any more if it came from my own keyboard... we are progressing steadily and very nicely, building solid foundations on which to mount a sustainable challenge when we are ready... couldnt agree any more if it came from my own keyboard…

we are progressing steadily and very nicely, building solid foundations on which to mount a sustainable challenge when we are ready…

]]> By: Barcarich http://astonvillablog.com/villa-should-focus-on-5th-and-the-europa-league-and-drop-the-champions-league-ambitions-for-now/comment-page-1/#comment-743 Barcarich Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:09:26 +0000 http://astonvillablog.com/?p=2125#comment-743 Whether we qualify for the CL or the EL makes no difference, well still be having to field either a weakened team or draining the resources that we have for the PL. Its not going to be easier playing multiple games abroad in 1 league than in another. Yes we might actually have a chance in the EL to go further but that puts more strain on the run in to the PL as weve seen. Either way, we need at least 4-5 good 10 million players who will accept rotation, and can play in various formations for us to compete to this level and beyond next season. With this, and less injuries, we can look to a european future. Without this, or with more journeymen, well be a laughing stock! Whether we qualify for the CL or the EL makes no difference, well still be having to field either a weakened team or draining the resources that we have for the PL. Its not going to be easier playing multiple games abroad in 1 league than in another. Yes we might actually have a chance in the EL to go further but that puts more strain on the run in to the PL as weve seen.

Either way, we need at least 4-5 good 10 million players who will accept rotation, and can play in various formations for us to compete to this level and beyond next season. With this, and less injuries, we can look to a european future. Without this, or with more journeymen, well be a laughing stock!

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