The Lions of Aston Villa - Becoming King of the Jungle Once More....

And don't forget Robert hall he is brilliant on my west ham save in the first season, he is mainly a striker but also plays beastly on the wing as an inside forward

@donatt - Here you go mate.





Stats don't do him justice, his finishing is amazing. He got 21 goals in all comps in first season and 27 in second.

@lross yeah he was transfer listed and I tried to get him then but he went off the TF list quickly. Might try again. Lewandowski is available at £37m which I can afford if I sell Bent...

2012-12-23 19:21#73566 Sammmm : And don't forget Robert hall he is brilliant on my west ham save in the first season, he is mainly a striker but also plays beastly on the wing as an inside forward

Cheers mate, will have a look!

WOW.... 10,000 VIEWS!!!

Thanks guys

The Uruguayan F.A. offer Jason Connolly the opportunity to manage their nation following a third placed finish at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

"I'm flattered but I couldn't take any attention from my job at Villa Park at the moment, we are competing in seven competitions this season and I want to win them all."
Jason Connolly

PRE-SEASON

Villa embark on a three game tour of China before visiting Houston Dynamo and finishing their friendlies off at Oakwell against Barnsley.

Some very good results follow and the squad make another trip to Wembley to play Manchester City in the Community Shield.

After a drab 90 minutes, Villa win the shield 5-4 on penalties to land their fifth trophy in three seasons.

Villa take their first steps in to the Champions League and have a tough task in the play off round where they drew Spanish giants, Valencia, in the pick of the ties.



"It's a tough draw - no doubt about it but it's a challenge we are relishing. Champions League football is the pinnacle of club level and after last year's Europa League exploits, we're confident that we can make the group stage."
Jason Connolly

In transfer news, Villa sign 19 year old Derby midfielder Will Hughes for £4.5m following a string of impressive performances in the Championship.

Villa kick off their league campaign next with a trip to Midlands rivals, Wolves.

BREAKING NEWS FROM VILLA PARK!!!!

Darren Bent re-joins Tottenham for £17m after contract negotiations broke down at Villa Park... More on this story as it develops...

"Darren has been fantastic for the club and we wouldn't have wouldn't be where we are today without him, but he wanted more money than we were prepared to offer and we feel that £17m is good business for a 31 year old."

"The fans aren't happy and that's understandable, but if they trust us, I think they'll be more than happy with what we are working towards."
Jason Connolly

A bit of a cryptic one from the Villa boss but things became clearer later in the day....

VILLA AGREE £13M DEAL FOR GASTON RAMIREZ!!



"Gaston has had two brilliant seasons at Southampton and is only 23, he's going to fit in to a new system, playing just behind a lone striker. It's something I've been toying with, so he's here and he can't wait to get started."
Jason Connolly

NOOOO DARREN

Villa kick off their league campaign with a trip to neighbours Wolves and run out 1-0 winners at Molineux thanks to a stunning Charles N'Zogbia free kick.

ASTON VILLA v VALENCIA - CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PLAYOFF FIRST LEG
Villa Park

VILLA LINE UP (4-2-3-1)
Ospina - Eardley, Shawcross, Albiol, Clark - Tiote, Schneiderlin - N'Zogbia, Hughes, Ince - Benteke

"We're so excited to be here in the Champions League, it's a first for everyone in my starting line up apart from Raul Albiol. A lot of people are saying it's risky playing a new formation and starting Will Hughes - especially since the highest level he's played at is the Championship."

"Well, I'm the boss here and you can judge at the end of the match."
Jason Connolly

MATCH REPORT

Villa hit the ground running and Christian Benteke and Tom Ince force Diego Alves in to saves whicle Albiol - playing against his former club - crashes a header against the crossbar all inside the first ten minutes.

An incisive pass from Eardley down the right finds N'Zogbia and the Frenchman weaves through the box to cross for Will Hughes to tap in his first Villa goal on his debut.

While the players celebrate, the camera cuts to a buoyant and smug looking Connolly.

Villa hold a 1-0 lead at the break despite Soldado's best efforts, Ospina forced to make a great save from point blank range.

Villa get forward in the second half and Tom Ince cannons a shot off the post before Soldado heads wide when it was easier to score.

A long ball from Ospina's resulting goal kick is flicked on by Benteke and Will Hughes latches on to the ball, slips round Diego Alves and rolls the ball home.

Valencia look deflated and rarely push forward again, while Villa are unlucky not to be further in front as Benteke is harshly ruled to have fouled Mathieu as he headed home.

FINAL SCORE FROM VILLA PARK

Aston Villa 2 (Hughes 29, 67)
Valencia 0

"I'm massively proud of the boys, they outclassed Valencia tonight. Will Hughes played out of his skin and to score twice on his Villa, European and Champions League debut shows the talent he has. I'm very pleased."
Jason Connolly

2012-12-24 17:32#73690 Glenn T : NOOOO DARREN

He wanted £110,000 p/w mate, no way was I giving him that! I'm pleased with the deal

Great result against Valencia Jason

2012-12-24 23:04#73739 The FM Rookie : Great result against Valencia Jason

Cheers Rookie

can u post up ur tactics as well as ur team instructions

2012-12-26 23:40#74020 bradleyboreland : can u post up ur tactics as well as ur team instructions

I have it all on page 11 mate, someone else asked for it before

THE ARRIVAL OF A SPANISH LEGEND

Villa's first home game of the season with Spurs commences with an big surprise half an hour before the kick off.

Randy Lerner making a personal speech in the centre circle brought a sense of excitement to the crowd, clearly eager to hear the mysterious announcement...

"Ladies and gentlemen, fantastic to have such a huge crowd at our first home league game of the new season and you have picked a great day to be here!!"

"I am hugely excited to introduce you to our new loan signing for the season....."

An expectant crowd turns towards the tunnel being gestured at by their chairman....



"Ladies and gentlemen..... XABI ALONSO!!!"

The Villa Park faithful erupt as the 32 year old strides on to the pitch waving as he goes. Even Spurs fans applaud this legend of the modern era.

Villa fans announce their new hero to the world via Twitter

@avfcandy Alonso just presented to the crowd at Villa Park - dreamland!! #avfc

@brummielad34 Well played Connolly & Lerner with the Xabi signing, CL and PL experience. Quality signing!!

@holteender Wow. Just wow. Make Alonso captain now!!! #legend

The announcement lifts the crowd and they roar Villa to a solid 2-0 win, the goals coming from Christian Benteke and Ryan Shawcross - his first for the club.