1) What do you think about your current form? Do you still think a Top 4 finish is on?
We are up there and in with a chance. I can’t help but have a nagging doubt just purely because of the years of being ‘nearly’ there as opposed to being able to push on. The first year of the Premiership we came second to Manchester United and to be fair, we handed the title over, we also won league cups in 94 and 96 and promised to push on. We never did. So I try to keep my feet on the ground these days and try not to get too carried away!
As said, we are up there, we can but hope. Our form has been fairly good this year, same as any team we have our good matches and bad matches, I think we might find ourselves a bit stretched towards the end of the season as MON doesn’t seem to rotate the squad much so some players will pick up knocks or just get tired but the opti in my says whilst it is doable mathematically, we can do it… if that makes sense!
2) What are your CURRENT strengths and weaknesses? What areas could the Clarets exploit, implement and give you a hard time?
Our main strength is the solid defence and speed of front players/wingers for counter attacking football.
Our main weakness is not taking our chances so we often fail to kill off teams.
3) What is your view of Brian Laws and what were your thoughts about Coyle leaving?
I have little knowledge of Brian Laws style of play wise, I hope he works out for you guys though. I thought if Coyle had left at the end of the season having kept you up, maybe you could have had less complaint and his stock would certainly have been high at that point. I must admit, I disagree with managers being able to be poached during the season, I think you should have to stick with the manager you have in place from the kick off the season, so no leaving, no sacking etc. It was a mighty blow to you guys and I think it showed a lack of class.
4) Which would you rather have and why assuming you cant have both-Top 4 finish/defeat in Carling Cup or Carling Cup Winners/Lose out on Top 4
Silverware any day of the week. We need to start winning things. I know the arguments for top four and the money that brings in but I’m old fashioned, 4th used to be 3rd loser and to be aiming for that (clubs in general, not just Villa) is a sad indictment on what is important in the game now… money. The Champions League should be for champions, so 1st, FA Cup and League Cup winners.
5) What are the chances you could put out a weakened side or take your eye off the ball against the Clarets with Wembley a week away?
Zero, MON doesn’t really do rotation. Sorry!
6) If you could have a couple of our players, who would they be and why?
I’m very wary of sounding arrogant or rude with this answer, it isn’t my intention, but there aren’t any players I’d take from Burnley to replace any of ours.
7) Can we stay up and who do you think will go down?
If you’d still got Coyle I’d say yes, with Brian Laws it remains to be seen, I hope so, nice to see the pundits wrong and they always tip the new arrivals for relegation straight back down to the Championship.
Pompey I’m afraid are gone. I think Bolton will also go down, karma can bite you on the backside! Who else? Well, I’d not bet on you staying up but also think Hull could well be in the mix this season.
8) And the result this Sunday will be?
It is a crucial must win for Villa in my opinion and I think unless we have an off day – it has been known – we should get the result. I’ll go 3-1, goodness knows why I’m tipping so many goals mind you! lol We certainly can’t take you guys lightly, we found that out at Turf Moor, although I think we were the first to get at least a point there this season.
9) What are the best pubs to go to for away fans (and don’t set a trap!!)
No idea to be honest, maybe someone else who reads this can answer that. I forget the name of the pub that used to (don’t walk that way now so don’t know) let away fans in. It is right by Aston station though!
Vital Burnley’s interview on Vital Villa: Click Here
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