PMP: Three points for Aston Villa now vital and Swede Larsson set to sign for Villa
Sunday, 07 December 08, 09:21 AM · Comments (12)
Morning all and welcome on this lovely Sunday to the first in a new series of posts, the PMP or just so we're clear, the pre match papers post.
I'm doing this as the post match papers post is actually quite popular and well, there is always a little more paper talk before a match, so it sort of makes sense.
We'll get to the papers in a moment but if you didn't already know we're now in 6th place after Hull beat Middlesbrough and by the end of the day we could be on the same points as Everton and Portsmouth.
We must win today and if you'd have asked me at the start of the season, I might have accepted it, but asking me now, knowing what I know; it's not good enough. If we don't win today we'll just be getting sucked into the struggle for fifth and well, when you're in the struggle it could be any one of four teams that have it and if that's who we are competing with then we are seasons and seasons away from top four.
Now, to the papers and these are the most interesting ones I've found and not all are about the match. The first one has absolutely nothing to do with the match, but worth a read if you haven't found it and have a few moments.
Pat Nevin, The Scotsman: "O'Neill is currently held in similar esteem by the Villa fans as he was with most Celtic fans, but just how far can he take the club and is there another, bigger job in England for him? Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea seem unwilling to look beyond foreign coaches, which only leaves Manchester United. That must be a possibility if he continues to impress but I suspect his next role could be that of England manager."
Sandy Macaskill, Telegraph: "And, while it would be a vast exaggeration to suggest that the Aston Villa midfielder, who moved to the Midlands for £5m in the summer, is close to landing a leading role at Villa Park, he is no longer the overlooked understudy, but instead part of the cast. It is a start."
David Harrison, News of the World: "Boss Martin O'Neill met the Swede last week and is scheduled to have talks with the Swede over the next 48 hours."
Deluded David Moyes, Mail Online: "Despite facing an injury crisis which has reduced Everton to one solitary striker, manager David Moyes insists his squad are in good spirits ahead of their Barclays Premier League clash against Aston Villa."
We should win today, I believe it's more than possible and likely. I've even put money on it and I expect to collect. I'll also be watching the match with my neighbour; a scouser who supports Everton and losing would not be a nice, as you know what those scousers can get like when they're on the high ground.
Of the news above, the one that sticks out to me is the Henke Larsson one. He is getting on a bit, but as we all saw, when he joined Manchester United for a short period, he' still got some ability and I for one would welcome him with open arms.
Anyway that's it for now, post links below if you have any and don't forget we'll start a post later that will redirect to the match centre at kick off.
Up the Villa.
Like this blog? Help spread the word: 
12 Comments · Add yours
What bothers me about Villa is there mindset, whenever we have a big game (win takes us to 3rd or 4th, UEFA cup) we seem to bottle it. Like Manu last night we need to find ways to win. Otherwise it is 6th place for us.
Sandy Macaskill, Telegraph: "And, while it would be a vast exaggeration to suggest that the Aston Villa midfielder, who moved to the Midlands for £5m in the summer, is close to landing a leading role at Villa Park, he is no longer the overlooked understudy, but instead part of the cast. It is a start."
Who are they talking about? Sidwell? And why is it significant?
Bring in Larsson! He may be 37 but he's kept himself in fantastic shape and would provide competition up front because he can still put the ball in the net.
His experience would be great for younger players and he would add quality to the squad, even if he's only here for half a season.
Why not?!
On a different note, Sky sports news are reporting that Man City are interested in signing Barry for £18M. I know it's only speculation, but it's interesting. If any bid was made, then I'd take Elano from Man City, plus 5 Million cash as part of the deal...
Reply to abz1888:
Elano and Onouha for Barry would work for me...But anyway, to the game....
I think we have a chance to consolidate things with the Everton match. We have looked shaky in the last couple of matches in front of goal. We need to remember how to find the back of the net again. Hopefully the boys are up to it today. We have teams breathing down our neck (Not a jab at Villa Chris btw!) so we need a couple of good results to rekindle our hopes for 4th perhaps...
Im thinking 2-1 Villa, or hoping anyway...live commentry today Damian? It was great banter on thursday night..
Can't say the idea of getting Larsson is an exciting one. At the Euros last summer he really looked past his best..alas, time will tell.
UTV
There is an interesting interview with Moyes in the Sunday Times today in which he states that clubs like Everton (and therefore Damian regardless of your breathtaking arrogance - us) need to spend £30m a year for four years in order to break into the top four.
Moyes has done a brilliant job at Everton. He has established a team over a number of years (unlike clubs like Spurs who have just tried to buy a top four place without building a foundation). Unlike Everton we have the financial backing to improve again next season and if we do we WILL be competing for that top four place that for some reason a lot of fans like Damian seem to believe we are already entitled to.
larsson as a player/coach would be a good idea
elano/onouha/sturridge for barry
A part of me wants to agree with Damian..but common sense tells me not to.
I agree with AVMark on this one, throwing toys out of the pram at this stage of the season makes no sense and stinks of Tagloritis.
Hold fire and support the club - you can start waving your menstrual rags at the end of the season, if you really have to.
UP THE VILLA
at least we are going for a striker!
Would settle for Owen and Larsson
Reply to notsosilentbob:
Not enough...I say Elano/Onouha/Sturridge and SWP for Barry
UTV
owen for starters and if we could get dean ashton and keep .him fit . i think he could become a 20 goal a season player but its all about keeping him fit long enough.larsson is to short term and i agree with monkeywrench. did not do alot in the euros 2 nil to the VILLA com no lads
he would be quality, but unfortunately according to the man himself that aint true! hopefully owen on the other hand