Ashley Young said it first: Villa could break into top four
Saturday, 04 August 07, 11:10 AM
I'm a cynical git at times and very much a pessimist when it comes down to what we get from the club in terms of content but in the same breath you could also say I'm hugely optimistic about Aston Villa, especially now we've got Martin O'Neill.
I'm optimistic because I believe the biggest individual factor in having a successful team, in any line of business, is the management. Martin O'Neill is an excellent manager and because of that he will get the best out of our, currently, nineteen players.
Part of having a successful team is belief. You have to believe you can achieve your targets because if you go into the season expecting to finish top eight you'll not finish very much higher.
Ashley Young believes the club can finish in a European spot this season and he also says Villa could even break into the top four. You know what, I'll stick my neck out and say I believe its also possible.
Okay, it's a long shot but in any line of business you've got to have a list of optimistic targets. Top of that list for Villa, but probably not the most optimistic, will be to finish in a Champions League spot.
Realistically that's what we're looking to do and I think it's well within our grasp. We think Aston Villa can even break into the top four.
Ashley Young, August 4th 2007
Sure, some of you are now going to say it's not possible or we haven't got the squad or we're not ready or you could come up with any other excuse and some will think they're all viable. However, in response I'll say, everything is possible and we might not need a bigger squad and how do you know we're not ready?
The deadwood have gone. We now have nineteen players, that we know are going to be added to this month, that are all raring to go and up for the fight. Who was it that said you don't win the league with youngsters?
While I don't expect it this season and won't be disappointed if we don't achieve Champions League football, I will expect a serious challenge the season after and will be disappointed if we don't get it.
My point is, if the players and management all believe it's possible, why shouldn't we?
So, before I go, I'll leave saying well done Ashley. Behaviour breeds behaviour and you've got to believe something is possible before achieving it and I salute you.
Comments (19)
ashley is the biggest hero are new number 7
You cant help but love his enthusiasm-but to be realistic we dont stand a chance!without new additions to the squad we will struggle to get mid table!
Up the Kin Villa!
You said it. 'Nineteen' players!
yep, i did say it, but how many players did we use when we won the league (i know this is along time ago) but how many players did united use when they won the triple in 99?
Ashley Young has got to be the most enthusiastic villa player in a long time. Everyday he is praising players, MON, Lerner, facilities. As he communicates so much i wonder if he can tell us whos coming in ;) Moral is key. I think we have a new fans favourite in him. Nice one Young keep up with the vibe
Its great to hear that kind of belief in the side. We've been short of winners in recent years, so its refreshing to hear Ashley Young say that. P... M.... A...
I think Ahsley Young will back up his words with performances next season.
These are the players we want at Villa, those that are really looking to succeed and do well for the club, its no use having a squad of 40 players if 20 of them dont wear their heart on there sleeve.
Forget Hangeland, pay the extra for Curtis Davies, fantastic player.
Very excited about the new season, very interested to see who starts up front against Liverpool. I think it should be Carew and Gabby personally, love Moore to bits and he will play a big part in our season but Gabby still slightly got the edge.
Last season was such a transition. We had a new owner/manager brought in quite late on and they had to pick up the pieces of what Ellis/O'Leary left us. The whole squad went on trial to prove their value to the team and commitment. We should be very excited for one main reason. This season we have MON's squad of players. This is the beginning. We are now on the path to success. No instant panick buys, no overpriced players, MON's team. As side from being a fan. You watch us become everyones second favourite team. We have the most popular manager in the Prem and how many teams will love us to pip the big top four by winning through a excellent young squad with many home-grown British talents on show.
Nice to hear the belief from Ashley, fair play.
I just read that Randy has had a tattoo of the Villa crest on his ankle...quality !
UP THE VILLA ;)
I hope all the boys believe that they can break the top four! It's that type of mentality that could help us get into europe next season! I don't personally think that we can break the top 4 but if we can get 4 new signings in the key positions maybe Uefa cup would be a possibility. MON has the money, I just hope he really does have 3 or 4 players ready to sign soon or we could be struggling!
I'm tipping Ashley to be a revelation next season and I'm tipping him to be our best player. I think he has a superb attitude and determination and if this exists right throughout the momentarily small squad then we may have a chance of surprising a few and producing something very special next season. Damien, I think your spot on when you say that if the players and management believe then so should we. Do you know what, I am starting to believe now. I've been somewhat pessimistic in recent weeks following the lack of transfer activity and the departure of many players but with MO'N's promise that his major targets will we in come September 1st we all have reason to be more optimistic. My only complaint is that we should really have brought in most of our targets in time for the start of the season but at least we know know that they're coming eventually.
any helpfull links to the villa inter game please people would be much appriciated
with thanks steve
I think We have no problem to be top four in the first ten games, like last season.
But the problem is we get only 19 players >:(
Just got in, pub I was in has had a power-cut! great, I don't know another with sentanta, anyone got a stream?
I think ull find theres a few other teams players saying the same as they have to think like that
I think this season will be the best season ever because of how many teams have been taken over by new investors and splashed a lot of cash on new players
Intresting season ahead........
Just shows footballers aren't to bright, poor lad
im am a villa fan but i reckon we wnt finish top 4 we need players and fair play 2 randy lerner havin a tattoo on his ankle just shows the club are going in the right direction :)
If we played like we did against Inter Milan i also believe we could reach the top 4, but my head tells me because of the squad size we might manage eighth and qualify for europe by wining the league cup, which wouldn't be a bad season. If he could add 3 or 4 quality players before transfer deadline, i think we could manage the top six.
I also believe Ashley Young will break into the England squad, along with Barry.
i tihnk this year we can compete in the race to get in uefa if we play just as good as we did against inter because a clean sheet against them just after the game where they beat man utd 2-1 so come on villa