Goal.com Aston Villa Fanview: 'We do need to push on because we fans are getting restless'

Villa supporter Anthony Snow eyes Europa League glory...

20 Jul 2010 08:37:00

More On :  Aston Villa
With the start of 2010-11 season approaching fast, we asked a supporter of every Premier League club to share with us their hopes, dreams and fears for the season ahead. 

Aston Villa Fanview | By Anthony Snow



The target: Improvement on last season

Improving on last time – mind you, we have attempted to do that for three successive years and not shifted a beat from sixth. I suppose there is something to be said for such consistency, but Villa do need to push on because we fans are getting restless - the challenge is compounded by the fact that those around us have the financial clout to push harder than we do. I expect a serious assault on the Europa Cup as well.


My thoughts on the gaffer...

I don’t want to seem ungrateful, because Martin has done a lot. He is a solid manager but does tend to exhibit a Fabio-esque one dimensionality in regards to team tactics and formation. But to be fair, he generally has not had large squad to choose from and lots of like-for-like players.

He does bring out the best in promising players, but can be a bit of a ditherer in the transfer market and is more likely go for tried-and-tested in the British market rather than taking a punt on a rising stars from overseas.


Our key man this season

Ashley Young – can dribble, can cross, OK he goes to ground pretty easily but has a football brain which allows him to contemplate his options a lot more than some wingers in the league. Keen observers will note how he often holds it up and draws in defenders to create space for midfielders to run into – and then has the technical ability to take them on and opens up acres of space to play the ball into. He’s happy on the right or the left and takes free kicks so come on Fabio what are you waiting for?

Youngster to watch

Nathan Delfouneso. A 19-year-old striker with bags of talent. All eyes are on youth following England’s World Cup debacle so he is likely to be more in the spotlight, especially if Villa do not sign much needed reinforcements up front.

As for Fabian Delph, it's time to step up please and stop getting booked every other game.



A player who must deliver

Gabby Agbonlahor –a bit more consistency and he is well on his way to regular England calls.





Our Achilles' heel

Lack of strength in depth




"I suppose there is something to be said for such consistency, but Villa do need to push on because we fans are getting restless -  the challenge is compounded by the fact that those around us have the financial clout to push harder than we do."
Fixture I am looking forward to the most...

Fixtures actually – with Birmingham, West Brom, Wolves and Stoke now in the league that's 24 easy points. Top four is starting to look easy!
Our toughest opponents will be...

Hopefully we will meet them in Dublin next May in the Europa League final.


Player we love to hate

Predictably enough – any Birmingham City player other than Craig Gardner, who I still rate and is wasted there.
My verdict - Seventh, sadly.


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I suppose there is something to be said for such consistency, but Villa do need to push on because we fans are getting restless -  the challenge is compounded by the fact that those around us have the financial clout to push harder than we do.

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