Whenever a new manager comes in, there is a sweep of fresh air in the training ground. Those players that struggled to get any game time under the former manager (Paul Lambert) now have a chance to get onto the team sheet.
Matthew Lowton: During Lowton’s first season at Villa Park he was on tremendous form. Scoring some vital goals (volley against Stoke comes to mind) and playing very well at right-back. After his first season in 2012 there were loads of headlines that saw Lowton being linked with moves to top clubs and the future right-back at Aston Villa. Unfortunately, the following season, Lowton’s performances dipped and was replaced by Bacuna. But finally Lowton is achieving the potential that pundits and experts saw in him. However, it’s not at the right-hand side of the defence but at the left. Despite not playing in his preferred position Lowton has been fantastic. Single-handedly winning the penalty against West Brom a week ago, playing a MOTM performance and providing fantastic crosses. Lowton’s biggest problem is that Hutton is also playing some great football in his natural position, so it appears as though Lowton will have to settle for a position at left-back for now.
Charles N’Zogbia: I might speak too soon about N’Zogbia but I do think he is turning a corner. I will admit, his first game against West Brom he didn’t play well at all. Didn’t offer much of a threat and it was quite apparent that he was lacking match fitness. But in the FA Cup, N’Zogbia played well! He made good runs forward, held possession well and assisted Delph’s first goal. Let’s not forget that N’Zogbia can take free-kicks (scored two in pre-season) and is also staying behind for extra training to regain match fitness. He is determined to make a come-back and I respect that. Additionally, N’Zogbia does have two assists for Aston Villa, that may not sound like a lot but he is third in Villa’s total assists.
Scott Sinclair: Who would’ve knew that Scott Sinclair still had that talent that he displayed at Swansea! Sinclair barely played much football since joining Man. City and his loan spell at West Brom was a disaster. But it looks as though Sinclair has found a home. Three goals already and is on form to become top scorer at Villa this season, who would’ve expected that! Sometimes his commitment on the pitch is questionable but when giving a talking too, Sinclair does impress. He is match-fit, has pace and isn’t afraid to beat a man. Sinclair is definitely the left winger that Villa have lacked since Ashley Young’s big move to Manchester United.
Youth Players: Perhaps they are yet to make an impact for Aston Villa at the top level but I bet that the majority of youth players at Villa are excited to work with Sherwood. Training and playing alongside the first team must be great for the youth players. Not only will they have greater interaction with the senior players, but they will benefit from the experience that players such as Senderos, Cole, Vlaar and Given all boast. Jack Grealish looks as though he will have more playing time, Sherwood wants to work with Grealish one-on-one, it’s just such a positive attitude compared to when Lambert was in charge. Also, Gary Gardner who is currently on loan at Nottingham Forrest has expressed his interest in working with Sherwood once his loan move expires. This is excellent news because Gardner has been on tremendous form at Nottingham. Gardner has already scored 3 goals for Forrest, 2 of them being superb long range strikes. Forrest fans want him to stay, but with Sherwood in charge the odds increase that the talented midfielder will get a chance at a Villa shirt next season. That same statement can also apply for other youth players looking to break into the first team.
Agree with your comments; good post. Lowton, I think has come in and done a good job at LB in extremis.
I would probably add Gabby; if TS can get him to play consistently at his best that would be a big plus. Add NZog who is pretty quick and with Sinclair that gives us a very pacy attack.
In my view the jury is still out on Benteke ‘cos if TS cAn get him playing like he did in his first season and with the shackles off Delph we might just start giving a couple of teams a belting – wouldn’t that be nice!
One other person TS has inspired…me!
I was reading the last rites and absolutely convinced that we were going down under Lambert.
Four games later and it’s actually looking possible that we can not only stay up but have a good pot shot at the cup too.
Would like to see Sanchez play more. Everyone keeps going on about a creative midfielder and he might be it now that other players are actually looking to run onto balls and not just expecting a sideways pass. Notice he got a mention in Tim’s interview after the game too.
UTV
Good shout Pat on both counts.
Who has Sherwood inspired ? The Fans
He has given us belief at last, and long may it continue.
Who has Sherwood inspired?? ME
I though I inspired you Giddy
LOL 😀
You inspire us all, Oohah.
Well that’s what I thought Andrew
You thought correct good sir.
Even I can now walk with my head up, to think how we suffered under a inept man (Lambert) he knows sod all about the game, I’ll go along in what you’ve said Adam, although I’m questioning Abonglahor behaviour, he started to loose it a bit in the game, think that’s why he was subbed, apart from that I’m happy as Larry at the minute.
The lamb, not Grayson.
Mullen Jr?
Lol nothin to say MATE??
Left speechless by Bill’s reference to Larry (not Grayson) the Lamb :-). 🙂 or maybe I pressed the wrong button! Anyway, afternoon my optimistic friend and, as you know, I’ve always got something to say LOL.
Love the new found optimism on this site, even when OohAh is having a pessimism fit it doesn’t sound half as bad as before!
Looking forward to the weekend – such a good feeling.
I forgot to put lamb ,then thought shit being I live in Nuneaton now birth place of Larry Grayson bet tell them, shut that door.Everhard.
He inspired me, especially if he really wants Leo Baptistao.
Unconnected with inspiring people – or is it.
Just been reading this report of the “match” between Estonia and Scotland….now I know where Lambert got his reasoning that the kick off sets the tone for ALL the match….the ball goes backwards……Lambert “played” in it.
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/scotland-await-verdict-after-estonian-farce-1357723.html
Sherwood seemingly impressed with Kozak with him back in full training with contact. Claims if he keeps it up, in a few weeks he’ll be like a new signing.
Good to see Kozak back in full training; hope all goes well for him. I thought he was a decent player who holds the ball up well and knows where the net is UTV
He looked quality when playing. Wouldn’t mind him replacing Benteke to start if Benteke doesn’t start scoring. Yes he looks better but he’s gotta be putting his chances away.
Things are looking up.
Benteke also likely to be back. I’d use him as a sub on Saturday.He’ll scare the crap out of Sunderland coming off the bench.
See the bear hug TS gave Pulis? (See BBC Sports Live 15:58) Pulis does not look happy and (thankfully) looked even less happy an hour and a half later.
UTV
I know we are still waiting for a time and date to be announced for semi final. But I really really set want to miss out on this and I’m a little anxious I’ll not get tickets quick enough. I’m not a season ticket holder but I do have a history on the official site over the last 3 years were I must have Booker a dozen tickets a season ish. How do I best go about buying two tickets? Can anyone advise or help. Would really appreciate.
Its been 2 years since I was on here. I really was that pissed off by football, but I now realise it was PL that had pissed me off. I was pissed about the negativity on this site, but now realise it was justified. Tim Sherwood has restored my faith, he has generated belief and he has made some piss poor players, play well and play with belief. Who is the most important figure in all this? Tom Fox anyone?
Streetly, I won’t comment on anything you say in that specific reply.
But it’s nice to see you back mate 🙂
Hi Streetly; I’m with you mate on the influence of Tom Fox. Quality of the CEO is paramount in any business but particularly given our Chairmans past record
Streetlyvillan, I understand what your saying and can I add you was not on your own, nice to see one of our old school back Langford pops in now and again with that old fraise (we will not be relegated) Oohah has seen the light and now is one of us, welcome home mate.
Completely agree Streetly (and good to see you back), the club has a few people on the board now with footballing knowledge thanks to Mr Fox and we are looking for a Director of Football too, so things are on the up at last
Morning to all Villa fans. That’s it really! 🙂
Morning hitch nice to see you back on here streetly even if it’s a brief appearance,can’t wait for tomorrow UTV shove it up the mackems.1-5 VILLA 😀
Morning Both, its pissing it down and that Dermot O’Leary driving me bonkers. Any news on Grealish ? Thought he might have had been told by now.
Didn’t we appeal his red mate???Tbh it totally slipped my mind.
Unfortunately we can’t appeal Grealish’s red, he got two yellow cards. It wasn’t a straight sending off. Maybe Gil should get a run out in his absence, however?
Don’t know Giddy, its just crossed my mind as to what’s gone on.
can’t appeal a 2nd yellow (red)
out for 2 games whatever
N’Zog on fire any way
as is Sinclair
Ta for the info.
Well I didn’t know that, cheers lads, have to say he didn’t deserve it.
Thought it was 1 game out for 2 yellow cards?
Yes I thought that 10 yellows equates to a 2 match ban can’t think of any other way to get that amount but I’m sure someone on here will correct me.UTV
Would love to see grealish get a little game time at Wembley. Surley would be massive for progression. Of course the game itself is more important.
Libor The Giant back in training watch out Jack(Woodward) and your Villa beanstalk Fi fy fo fum I smell the blood of the brumijum SOTC