Ahead of this weekend’s clash against already relegated Aston Villa I caught up with ReadAstonVilla editor Edward Payne to find out their side of what’s looked like a disastrous season for the club, and of course his thoughts on Newcastle.
Now that it’s been confirmed that villa are down, has it taken the pressure off them and made them play better?
Nope, in the two games since relegation was confirmed we have lost to Southampton and Watford. Southampton was just interested in racking up as many goals as possible against us, hence, we managed to get two ourselves when most of their players were up the field. Against Watford we weren’t particularly good, Watford was just plain awful and snatched the three points. We have been as bad as we were before relegation was confirmed.
Where has villa gone wrong? Fighting for Europe a few years ago and now will be playing championship football?
Villa’s main problem since O’Neill rightly left has been a lack of structure at the club. It’s a common myth that Lerner has not invested since 2010, but he has spent a fortune. The problem has been that money has continued to be wasted due to chief executive’s being useless and continuing poor managerial appointments, who have wasted a fortune on some truly awful players.
Are there any positives from this season?
The positive from this season is that we might finally break up this current squad. The likes of Agbonlahor, Guzan, Bacuna, and Lescott have been a disgrace, whilst the likes of Richards and Cissokho should be no-where near a Premier League side.
Who should Newcastle look out for?
If Newcastle should look out for anyone it should be Jordan Ayew. He could be banned for this game after an altercation with Watford fans last Saturday, but if he is available he could cause your defence some problems. Hopefully, he scores another cracker against Newcastle like he did in December at St James Park.
What do you make of Newcastle’s season?
I honestly thought that the appointment of McClaren would see Newcastle begin to move in the right direction, especially after all that investment last summer. However, he proved to be as bad, if not worse than the clowns before him (Pardew and Carver) and it was a surprise he wasn’t sacked before he was, as everyone could see he couldn’t turn it around. I think the appointment of Benitez is a fantastic move and it looks like he could keep you up, especially considering Sunderland can’t buy a win at the moment.
Is there any Newcastle player you’d like to see at Villa?
It would have to be Townsend. Not because he is a particular good all-round footballer, but because he has a great shot on him.
Who do you think will stay up?
Norwich won’t stay up, they are just not good enough either in defence or in attack. I honestly thought Sunderland would stay up, but the past few weeks have changed my mind. I think Newcastle will stay up by 1 or 2 points, Sunderland can simply not seem to win at the moment and Benitez has got you lot organized and playing really well. Plus, you lot get a guaranteed three points from playing us.
What’s your score prediction and who will score?
Villa 0-4 Newcastle. I expect us to sign off our 28-year stay in the top-flight in true Aston Villa style, by getting absolutely hammered. I expect Townsend to score a few.
Thank you to Edward for his time and best of luck in the Championship next season.
