MikeMcKenna

Aston Villa 3 Manchester United 0 would be nice!

I totally agree John. Lambert will continue in the same vein and I don't expect any mega signings but hope he will bring in some experienced players to strengthen the defence and a few more young gems. I am not going to stress out this summer because he has set out his stall and we know there will no surprises - I.e. we shouldn't be expecting any £10 - £20 million type signings. I expect us to do much better next season and to progressively improve over the next 3-4 seasons but what we will achieve over that time is anyone's guess. If we could finish mid season next year playing entertaining football, get at least 3 points from Man U, do the double on the baggies and have a good cup run I would be happy!

Actually I think it should be every Villa fans duty to lambast Savage for merely existing - he is a clearing in the woods of the highest order and Dion obviously should have nutted him harder :-)

Maybe I misunderstand but how as per your example can a near 30% lift in the transfer fee (7>9) and a 65%+ increase in salary (1.5>2.5) be 'as you were' If that was the case we and loads of others will be in dire straights.

Whether Lerner decides to reduce his loans to the club and by how much will be the crux of the matter. He has obviously lost interest but as it stands he cannot hope to sell AVFC at a price that will cover his loans. But we have to remember that all the other PL clubs will be getting the same windfall, so transfer fees could become even more stupid. However Lambert has set out his stall - he will continue to buy young players with potential at low wages from the lower leagues and abroad, improve the contracts of key players and hopefully add a couple of experienced/quality players to improve the backbone of the team. As I said elsewhere IMHO Lambert has to play a long game and it will be 3/4 years at least before he can hopefully do a Dortmund. The extra money is important but I would be very surprised if he gets more more than £25 million and expect it to be around the £20m mark again.

Well done Jimmy - very good apart from the Bannan bit :-)

^^^^^^^^^^^^^ This Think a lot of people are getting carried away because of narrow victories at the likes of Stoke and Norwich. The defence is very breachable by even the most avarage of sides - and lets not forget when we were really up against it - where was our chairman with his wonga in the Jan Window ? .......what makes everyone so sure that a few months later he is going to bankroll the manager ? I don't think most people are getting carried away and from what I can se there is almost universal agreement that we have to strengthen the defence and that Lerner has to back Lambert with funds. I think the consensus is that if we can bring in 3/4 players we have greater potential next season. Obviously IF Lerner doesn't back him, it will be a different story but personally speaking after such a negative season for now I am thinking positively and hoping for the best

Personally I believe Lambert kept his job as Lerner is not really interested in us any more and doesnt pay much attention. A much more hands on owner would have sacked him after the Bradford disaster. In hindsight it was for the best we stuck with him to be honest! I don't think he came to a single game this season? Am I correct? As long as we keep ticking over and living with our means he'll be happy until he can sell to someone who will invest the required amount to take us further. While I cannot say whether Lerner is interested, I think Lambert's job was never in doubt as Lerner had nowhere else to go and Lambert was reducing the wage bill as he wanted. I think Lerner wants out but will he invest to improve his chances of selling or visa versa bank the additional money to reduce his loans?

We go again :-)

Many terrible memories from this season - for me the lowest time was losing at home ironically 0-3 to Wigan - i thought we were well and truly ****** then still hoped Lambert could turn it round and for me the turning point was Stoke away and Lowtons goal - from that point on I felt confident we were safe. I now believe that if Lambert can bring in 3/4 decent players for the weak positions we will can look forward again. However I still think its going to take at least 3/4 years to see if he has any chance of doing a Dortmund.

Never like to tempt fate, but I totally disagree. We finished the season a much better team and while I accept that we need to strengthen the hard experience gained this season will serve our youngsters very well for the future. Which youngsters are they ? - The 24 year old Clark\Bannan ? - or the 22/23 year old Bennett\Lichaj ? Hope your right - but I don't see a 2 month break changing the performances of those players very much.....if at all. I have accepted that we need to strengthen, but cannot see how you cannot accept that we finished as a "much better team" - IMHO we can look forward with more confidence and sincerely doubt that we will anywhere near as bad next season. I have supported AVFC too long to get carried away but am much happier than 4 months ago

Bye bye Barry!

Never like to tempt fate, but I totally disagree. We finished the season a much better team and while I accept that we need to strengthen the hard experience gained this season will serve our youngsters very well for the future.

If we keep Benteke and Lerner backs Lambert I reckon we are good for top 10 :-)

LOCK IT!

That was a bit of a rollercoaster for a while - thank **** the fat lady has sung!

Sunday is going to be a great party at Wigan - cant wait!!! :-)

IN before the lock - close this ****** thread!

Surely Wigan can't score 2!?!?!

Dean rally didn't want to give that

That's a help!

Unbelievable

WTF are Arsenal playing at!!

FFS!!

How can that not be a foul?