UEFA Roast Dinner
Tuesday, 29 July 08, 09:32 AM · Comments (54)
Less than 48 hours after our Intertoto victory and it has started. The annoyances of being in the UEFA Cup.
Our first game of the season is moved from the favourite 3pm Saturday to Sunday afternoon because we will be playing on the previous Thursday night.
I don't want to sound like an old git who doesn't realise that the traditional Saturday 3pm kick-off is now as rare as an English goalkeeper, but this is going to annoy me.
Villa could play eighteen games on Thursday nights this season meaning that over half of our weekend games could be moved to Sunday. As a family man, this plays havoc with my Sunday lunch and even worse makes me available for Saturday afternoon shopping (which is bad enough in the close season).
So what is the UEFA Cup all about? Judging on last season it isn't about making money, with Everton reportedly making less than half a million. The same year that saw the great Bolton Wanderers field a reserve team in the Quarter Final.
I do remember those great European nights in the 90's against Inter Milan, but the UEFA Cup has been devalued so much since those days by the Champions League (which itself is a poor imitation of the European Cup which really was for champions).
I know I am sounding negative, but do you really expect more than 30,000 Villa fans to turn up for a UEFA group game against some Swedish team we have never heard of. Yes, I will be there but I will probably be even more excited by a one-off League Cup (whatever it is called this season) game against say Wrexham.
Of course if we do win the UEFA Cup it would be terrific and there are teams like AC Milan in it (let's hope we avoid them if we want to win it though), but what damage could a long run in the UEFA Cup do to our season?
The main aim for Villa next season has to be either a top four finish or a cup final appearance (I just want to see them at the new Wembley).
Have we, or can you see us getting, a squad to cope with playing possibly an extra twenty games in a season? The InterToto Cup has already cost us our only recognised left-back for the first half of the season.
Okay let me end with the positives of the UEFA Cup. Firstly, it could end in glory in Istanbul next May with Villa's name gaining more European appeal.
Also it will help Martin attract new players to the club although the top players (I won't mention Mr. Barry) will accept nothing short of Champions League. Probably the best benefit is that it will give us a bye to the third round of the League cup where we can get down to the serious business of getting to Wembley.
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54 Comments · Add yours
On this occasion I'm delighted about the Man City game being moved!
Couldnt make the 16th so good news for me..... selfish view I know!!
With the likes of AC Milan, Valencia, Stuttgart, Deportivo etc involved even before the champions league teams enter the tournament, this years Uefa Cup could be much more interesting.
Have a game agains't someone like Sunderland moved to a Sunday because we play someone like AC Milan 3 days earlier....i won't be complaining.
To the blind villains on yesterdays post, it was a hot day yest so when i returned from my outings understand that i was in the best state!
To Jez: no brain hey my car is a audi s5 so im doing something right? still on the 28
Villian of the north: Barry is 1 of our best players no one disputes this, but he does'nt really want to stay? Does he...
Downing is quality just what we need, but we've got petrov? so we are alright
vivavilla: when u write i picture a girl so im not gonna be to harsh on you
As for the Matches, I'll find some excuse for work or family commitments to be there, people don't understand how excited i get by the thoughts of going abroad or at home playing in europe watching my team! Villa's best players are laursen, young, bouma, davies, carew? I think thats it so out of a whole football club theirs only 5 Quality players........its a joke
We spend all last season trying to qualify for europe - we get there and people are giving out about it.
Being in european competitions is what seperates the big clubs from the rest. It raises our profile, gives our players an opportunity to improve and keeps them happy, a chance for them to play on a bigger stage, better chance of attracting top players, an opportunity for the club to gain more fans....really the benefits are endless.
The only negative is that often teams with squads not big enough to handle two main competitions (with regard to games played) mess up in the league and end up not taking europe seriously. But juding by the size and quality of our squad - this could never ever happen to us!!!
Goldie. Does daddy drive a Porsche? Are you trying to be controversial with your inconsequential gibberish. F*** off you bluenose and write some drivel somewhere else. If only we could spend some of your daddy's money on GUCCI players and finish as high up the league as SPURS.
dont get me wrong,europe is whats its all about but most of us have got football running through our veins and when do most of us youngsters play? Sundays ! As a season ticket holder I dont want to miss nothing but is there antyhing quite like playing the game ? In a perfect world Sat 3pm then I can play my game Sunday....................
Andy, given the current state of our squad and the stregthening of competition around us I expect an 8th place league finish this year, qtr final Uefa cup, 4th round league cup, and assuming the BBC don't fix the FA Cup draw maybe a semi-final or final placing in that event.
If, and only if, we strengthen significantly before end of August (assuming GB is not in squad) we could expect at best to finish 5th or 6th again. This will depend on signings. I sincerely hope that we take Finnan in a deal for GB, that we buy Shorey and Hoyte, a decent Centre back, and a proven right sided attacking player. Can Gamst Pedersen play on right?
Picture a girl, eh? This coming from someone with the name [b]GOLDIE[/b]! :D :D :D
Is that true? Everton only made £1/2m! That's ridiculous, where did all the money go? Each home game must net almost that. A 20,000 gate at average £20 = £400,000, add on burgers n dogs, progs n favours. Does UEFA bag the dosh? Even if the receipts are shared with the away opposition there's more than half a mill washing around. Anyway, I agree with eoin19881, the advantages are incalculable. I'm hoding off my holiday plans to see where we play, I may be able to get to one of the away legs, like Goldie I get relly up at the prospect of seeing my team in Europe.
Ipbopmalik:
Didnt Spurs win something last year, so it does not matter where they finished??? Only 1st in the premier gets u the cup, and villa got no chance! But we could have a good cup run
Don't hate the player mate, hate the game? I work at my uncle's place get your fact straight. Remember you're talkin to big man, on the road you wouldn't talk to people or me like that. have a little respect for successful people? Goldie 7 is on all my shirts look out for me.............
vivavilla:
Thats my real name............... 8)
@ Goldie 7
Did you used to be on Blue Peter..? 28 and drives an Audi S5, imagine if you got a job....you could buy a decent car..!!
Jeez Goldie, so what if you are a "big man". Is that meant to mean something? Audi S5.. mmm. Small penis then. Try some humility and the odd bit of modesty, it makes for a far more interesting discussion and puts fewer people's backs up. Money and bland German "me too" motors aren't the epitome of success. And Goldie so isn't your name.
don't really wanna get involved but.......
Goldie 7 with your strnage opinions i would suggest you go to tribal football. It more your thing!!!!
I undertsand that you are a big man and very successful but tell me how do you measure this. Are you a big man compared to john carew? succesful compared to alex ferguson?
tell me
oh no, Goldie,
for such a big man, who is so successfull you really must be missing something.
what a T1T.................
Can't you support someone else.................
rob h
Your putting me up against a legend, next a player from my own team its hardly fair, im not a legend yet.......
People are that Broke outhere, If anybody saw apprentice this year u would have saw my friend on there????
When she got kicked off in week 4/5 see came out and made like 70,000 on magazine/paper deals... work harder and maybe u can achieve too, well thats what i was told........... ;)
I cannot believe what i'm reading. If we would have lost in the intertoto and nod had European football next season, damian you would have been moaning. we get European football, you are moaning. There really is no pleasing some people. This is our bridge to the top four (who play alot on Sundays)and if it means we have to play on different days to get there then so be it. i think there are allot of teams that would snap at this oppurtunity so be grateful damian!!!!
Why don't people ever read the article author.
Annoys me.
Villa are in Europe - Many dreams have come true.
I bought my flights for a day trip for the man city game a couple of weeks back thinking it wud certainly be on saturday afternoon,so that was a waste of money >:( >:( >:(
The Uefa Cup is b*llocks just like the league cup. Does it attract players? Not good ones no. Money attracts players. London attracts players. If they want money it's to a club like Spurs if they want both it's the top four and Champions League -ask Keane, Berbatov, Barry.
I hate the Uefa Cup and the League Cup. I find it embarrassing that we are bothered by it. We have already lost Bouma to it, and unless MON buys an amazing number of players shortly (yeah right) I suspect we are in for a rough ride injuries wise this year.
So I say ... put our reserves out in the Uefa and League Cups! Show everyone we mean business this year!
Anyone with a friend on the Apprentice can only be a pretentious cretin.
Next episode: Goldie's spectacularly absorbed by his own anus and changes his name to Pouting Rosebud - watch him bravely suffer as a bling bling expert attempts to pierce his beloved love-hole with a 55k gangsta ring.
As for the article above, I've not read such pile of steaming crap in quite a while..I know there's little to write about and controversy always sparks debates but this is taking it to a new level - so much for criticising Bill Howell's journalism!!
Here's to hoping for several years' worth of weekend disruptions, Damian. I'm sure the Saturday shopping will grow on you.
Sorry, Damian. I've just realized it was Andy whose weekends are in turmoil now.
It's nothing short of miraculous that people will always find [i]something[/i]to complain about. I take my hat off to you all, your tenacity and dedication to your cause deserves the greatest respect. I only hope that we don't qualify for the Champions League next season beacause then the knives will really be out.
I have a simple view of it really. Play on a few more Sundays but be involved in UEFA cup or play more Saturdays and not be involved - I know which I would prefer!!!
Mick70
Ha, what a great read that was... Lets hope that the last we hear from that Chav/Gangster..!
Andy: I have to support you on your article in the face of some insults that I have to say having read them a few times still don't contain any constructive criticism.
Mick70 - "steaming pile of crap?" Justify?
Ghosthunter - your'e spot on the money. Though you forgot to mention the additional opportunities on Thursday evenings to watch our beloved Villa.
You gotta love Berger.
@ Goldie 7
I feel your pain. I too am a 'big man' and had to downgrade from the R8 to the S5 due to leg room issues.
WTF has how successful you are got to do with Sunday bloody roast, Grow up and stop being a knob!!!
Andy, you could always try and get someone to come up with a Sunday roast pie. lol
if we stay in the uefa for long with the squad we have at present we will get relegated. it will involve 2 games every week a lot more injuries etc. laursen and carew certainly wont play 2 games every week. write our team down with current fit players those 2 out and maybe young injured as well!!! Not a far fetched situation at all!! relegation fodder thats what it would be.
get some pleayers in oneil u numpty!!!
apologies to damian, i didnt read the author. but Andy i didnt like what i read
Goldie ...as in Clifford Joseph Price...born in Wallsall?
LINK
Oh no he doesn't work for his uncle.... or is your uncle goldie?
EVERYONE NOW (to the tune of yellow submerine) WE'RE ALL GOING ON A EUROPEAN TOUR, A EUROPEAN TOUR, A EUROPEAN TOUR. WE'RE ALL GOING ON A EUROPEAN TOUR, A EUROPEAN TOUR, A EUROPEAN TOUR....CHEER UP...were in europe...hmmm wot would be the odds that in the final we get bayern....Brad senior gets injured 10 min in meaning Brad Junior comes in...PLAYED IN TO ASHLEY YOUNG.....IT MUST BE....IT IS...JOHN CAREW...ill bet a tenner on that lol
This is probably the WORST article Ive ever read on this blog! What the hell were you thinking?! Im delighted we're nearly in the uefa cup for the first time in 7 years, yes its not the champions league but its still pretty respected and at least we have a CHANCE of winning it.... have a word with urself andy UTV
Sorry but anyone who thinks we've got a chance of finishing about Tottenham this season is dillusional. If they get Bentley/Arshavin, I'd say pound-for-pound they will probably be a better team than Liverpool.
We are falling behind.
ok, i know there are a bunch of good teams that we could meet in qualifying: the milans, etc. but surely there are a lot of terrible ones too. can someone provide a link to a list of all the teams in the uefa please. know this sounds lazy but i'm a teacher and only get a couple of mins between lessons. UTV
look at the bigger picture we get to the QF stage and meet liverpool,
after they get knocked out of the CL, would you all be moaning then when we knock them out on a thursday and have to play stoke on the sunday, i think not.bring on the saturday roast
villa_tommy. just google 'uefa cap' it takes you straight to the website. From there theres lists of teams and the fixtures. And don't tell me your working right now, because the kids are on holiday. Actually if you had the time to write the above reply then you have the time to find the Uefa Cup site. I'll let you work for the info a little.
We can't play any of the decent teams in the qualifying round as they're already in the 1st Round proper. Plus, we're one of the seeded teams for the next draw, so we should avoid most of the better teams.
Essentially we're looking at playing a team no stronger than Odense, so we shouldn't have anything to worry about.
:'( I have to reply to the Spurs comment. Given the two squads and the two managers I would be very disappointed if we finished below Spurs this season. as we saw on Saturday Asley Young is ready to become one of th top players in the league, we will still be deadball specialists and now with Brad Friedel will have the best goalkeeper. I think our main rivals for 5th place will be Portsmouth and Everton.
Are we ever going to sign some outfield players - my god its panic stations at this stage. Look at Spurs - its killing me that they seem to be going all out for the players they want. Im starting to loose the faith which is something i really didnt think would happen >:( >:( >:(
goldie 7
why do you feel the need to comment on peoples lives and big up yours?
what are you going to achieve with that comment?
how do you know people dont work? (do you follow them?)
this blog is something people comment on about aston villa in the time they allocate themselves.
to discuss matters relating to aston villa and the football community....not and i repeat not to show how flashy you are..
if you want that then i suggest you find out what website webcam ash used for showing off! in the meantime lets talk about football ok!
and befroe you comment on me for the record if we are going to show off i drive a brand new astra estate and have 7 staff members working for me 2 company vans etc.........but is any of that your business?.....no! do i care what you drive?..........errm no!
you talk like your the only person that works for a living as if you had any proof that anyone else on here does not!
material possesions are all pointless when you die id rather have my family and friends around me at the time i need them...
talking to people the way you do assuming your better than them is going to make you a very lonely person in the long run.
Goldie 7.... Are Goldie 1, 2, 3 etc more successful than you?
keef! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
what's happening damo?
I have to say Goldie 7 has been very entertaining, usually the comments go like this; Taglor says somthing negative and is then followed by a load of "Oh Taglor!" comments.
While Goldie 7 is obviously a knucklehead, it is refreshing.
Not much is happening but there seems to be a trend over the past couple of posts that a few comments are getting a bit silly.
Please stop it - or we'll just delete and ban users who leave stupid comments.
here here, surely we have not come to an end about b1tching about the Villa? There's LB, RB, CM, RW need I go on?
It just does not seem as if we are even close to signing anyone, and what's the minimum you think we need? Then the quality of those players? Though Harewood did surprise me, not raving the Hare, just mean he was a lot better than I thought he would be. Sign some players. Excite us
give em a Yellow first?
no yellow cards. everyone knows the rules - common decent and respect
I disagree about the UEFA cup. If you look at the last few years it has in fact been highly competitive, and it is an honour for us to be involved.
So who is going to come out and suggest that the Zenit, Sevilla and Porto teams who have recently won the cup were mickey mouse?
In my mind it is far more competitive and entertaining a competition than the Champions League, where you can pretty much predict the semi finalists from the off.
The Cup Winners Cup, now THERE was a joke. Let's see how well we fare against Europe's almost elite. It is a fitting test and relevant to the task we are trying to accomplish
Taglor go to the toilet blog(crap blues of course)Its where you belong 'cause berger left for trying to drag barry to liverpoo!
UTV ;D
It seems that all you lot are rich - any chance you could combine all your cash together and buy us a f**king player?