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

Going strong Jason! You're doing a wonderful job with Villa

2012-12-03 00:16#70686 The FM Rookie : Going strong Jason! You're doing a wonderful job with Villa

Cheers mate, going better than I thought it would!

Looking forward to seeing how much of a transfer budget Mr Lerner gives me in the summer, need a few players in for the Europa League....

2012-12-03 00:19#70687 jason_connolly1987 :

2012-12-03 00:16#70686 The FM Rookie : Going strong Jason! You're doing a wonderful job with Villa

Cheers mate, going better than I thought it would!

Looking forward to seeing how much of a transfer budget Mr Lerner gives me in the summer, need a few players in for the Europa League....

Just don't sacrifice league form for the Europa League but equally dont take the Europa League too easily, both competitions are VERY important.

2012-12-03 00:22#70689 The FM Rookie :

2012-12-03 00:19#70687 jason_connolly1987 :

2012-12-03 00:16#70686 The FM Rookie : Going strong Jason! You're doing a wonderful job with Villa

Cheers mate, going better than I thought it would!

Looking forward to seeing how much of a transfer budget Mr Lerner gives me in the summer, need a few players in for the Europa League....

Just don't sacrifice league form for the Europa League but equally dont take the Europa League too easily, both competitions are VERY important.

Yeah I would like to break the top 4 in the league and get as far as possible in Europe, so definitely need a few more players in. The squad is quite small as it is.

HARD WORK PAYS OFF



"I'm delighted to be offered a new contract with the club I've supported since I was a kid and it gives me a platform for which to really build for the future."
Jason Connolly

THE RUN IN

After defeating Sunderland, Villa go on to lose successive games to Liverpool and Chelsea before pulling a performance out of the bag in the home derby against W.B.A.



The season is completed with a fixture against Manchester United.



PREMIER LEAGUE FINAL TABLE 2012 / 13



"There certainly were a few surprises this season with Newcastle being relegated and Everton beating Chelsea and Arsenal to the final Champions League spot. We however, are absolutely thrilled by finishing 7th in the league. We had a wonderful F.A. Cup run, reaching the semi's and winning the Capital One Cup was just the icing on the cake. But, it's over, we're back in Europe and we're already planning for next season."
Jason Connolly

Well done my son! Terrific first season, I hope you keep going strong!!

2012-12-03 21:39#70802 The FM Rookie : Well done my son! Terrific first season, I hope you keep going strong!!

Cheers Rookie! Pleased myself

SEASON 2013 /14



In transfer news, Jason Connolly is extremely active as he prepares his squad for European competition.

The highest profile signing is that of Ivorian midfielder Cheick Tiote, who arrives from relegated Newcastle for £18.25m.



Andy Carroll and Javi Garcia arrive on loan along with Bosman signings David Ospina, Neal Eardley, Cristian Tello and Karim Ait Fana.



"I'm very pleased with the signings that we have been able to make, the squad has been strengthened appropriately for a long season which will include a Europa League campaign. As usual, we've also continued to build for the future with the loan signing of Lorenzo Tassi from Inter Milan and Saleh Majrashi from Eintracht Frankfurt."
Jason Connolly

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLIES

"Aston Villa F.C. are pleased to announce a training camp in Australia in addition to friendlies with Ayr and M.K. Dons in preparation for the season ahead. The club will participate in an exhibition game against Newcastle United Jets down under."
Paul Faulkner, Villa C.E.O.



"We have unfortunately have to leave Director of Football, Eric Cantona, in charge of proceedings at the club while we head to Australia. Eric's VISA wasn't granted due to the mishaps of last summer before the trip to America."
Aston Villa Club Statement

"Eeet is total seagull poo."
Eric Cantona after hearing his VISA hasn't been granted.

FRIENDLY RESULTS



The fixtures for the Premiership are announced and Villa kick off at home to Chelsea before visiting champions and F.A. Cup holders, Manchester City.

ASTON VILLA v AALESUND

Villa's first competitive of the season see them back in Europe and hosting Norweigan club Aalesund.

Jason Connolly gives debuts to summer signings David Ospina, Neal Eardley and Cheick Tiote and opts for a 4-2-3-1 formation.

"We were excellent going forward last season but sometimes struggled at the back, so the change in formation should help the back four without sacrificing attacks."
Jason Connolly, Villa manager

LINE UPS

EUROPA LEAGUE MATCH REPORT



"We were strong and never looked like losing, although I would've liked to go in to the away leg with a few more goals. Tiote's injury is quite bad, he could be out for up to 3 months which is a big blow to the lad as well as the club."
Jason Connolly

Villa finish their pre-season friendlies with a 4-2 win in Northern Ireland against Irish League Side, Coleraine. A brace from Andy Carroll and strikes from Tassi and Matt Lowton completed the scoring for a team made up mainly of Villa reserves and youth players.

The club are up against Aalesunds next in the second leg of their Europa League tie.

Those are some very interesting transfers mate!

You're going places! Jason ConnolLAD

2012-12-04 14:26#70868 Glenn T : Those are some very interesting transfers mate!

You're going places! Jason ConnolLAD

Haha cheers Glenn - best comment ever!!

Do you not think you over paid on Tiote, especially as his side got relegated? I think you have spent a bit too much personally...