A bit late in the day for this one, but a young Villan just sent this in and it might be good to have this as a last-minute pep talk. Thanks to Thomas Horton for writing and sending this. Consider it like reading the Manager’s programme notes, but written by a supporter. UTV

 

 

By Thomas Horton

The importance of this evening’s derby fixture against West Bromwich Albion cannot be understated. I would go as far as to say that this is the most important derby fixture of the last decade, and that any passion usually targeted against the Blues should be diverted to WBA this evening.

Having Villa Park rocking this evening is crucial to motivate and build confidence in our team who could be provided with a golden opportunity should WBA’s in-form strike force be unfit to play.

We are still sitting on 22 points from 27 games (which is an awful statistic when read out loud). We can secure a maximum of 33 more points between now and the end of the season, starting with this evening’s derby match against WBA. I would not advocate that it is likely we will secure all 33 points, considering our remaining fixtures include the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City. Nevertheless, I do think that there are six games where, should things go our way this evening, we stand a good possibility of winning, or drawing at the very least (Sunderland, Swansea, QPR, Everton, West Ham, Burnley). Six wins after all is the manager’s target, although I feel five should do the trick.

Admittedly, fans have been taking this optimistic approach for the majority of the season, and those seasons recently preceding. Yet there is now a new vigour courtesy of Tim Sherwood taking the helm at AVFC. Many fans commended Sherwood’s expressions of passion when we defeated Leicester in the FA Cup fourth-round fixture, and similarly so when we went 1-0 up against Stoke courtesy of Scott Sinclair.

If we were willing to have such optimism under the expressionless Paul Lambert, the least we can do is carry on that approach under Sherwood considering the clear efforts he is making and beliefs he has that Villa will survive this relegation battle.

 

 

We have been here before. We know the drill. Get behind the team. Holte Enders in the sky; sing your hearts out and let the team know how much it means to you for them to go on and succeed. Let the team understand how much victory means to the club with such a proud history.

Since 1874 we have been the best side in the Midlands, and one (more) season’s poor management and lack of motivation around the club shall not usurp this. Yes, as a supporter, you have had to tolerate a club drowning in negativity and mediocrity since Martin O’Neil’s departure. Yet with 11 Premier League games left to play, and the possibility of FA Cup visits to Wembley, now is no time to allow your support to waver.

We will survive this relegation battle. We are Aston Villa; we are prepared.

UTV

Follow Thomas on Twitter – @_tomhorton

Follow MOMS on Twitter – @oldmansaid

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