I know I’m in danger of turning this into the Michael Bradley blog, but US Soccer are doing a great job of putting out videos like this with their national team players. In this one, which is far more in-depth than the last one, Bradley reflects on life in England and the key differences to playing in Germany.
Bradley discusses the different emphasis on tactics, speed of the game, his frustration at not getting to play, but his pragmatism and
Continue Reading
Over the past week or so we’ve had bookies’ favourite after bookies’ favourite billed as the next Aston Villa manager, only to later be dismissed almost as quickly as they emerged. I could count all the posts on the subject from the various Aston Villa blogs and news outlets I subscribe to, but I’m pretty certain it’s easily in triple digits.
Attempting to sort the wheat from the chaff would drive me insane. I’ve taken the nuclear “mark all as
Continue Reading
Brad Friedel may well be on his way to Tottenham, but it’s easy to forget all the good work goalkeepers do while remembering the saves they didn’t make. This video shows some of Big Brad’s finer moments during his final season at Aston Villa and reminds us what big gloves he has to fill.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zbgz9HuGFjY
[Spotted on AVFC California]
There were four, possibly five, Villans involved as England drew 2-2 with Switzerland and the United States were comprehensively beaten 4-0 by Spain yesterday. Darren Bent and Eric Lichaj started for their sides, Ashley Young and Michael Bradley entered their games at half time and Stewart Downing made a late appearance for England and almost won it with the final kick of the game.
England 2 Switzerland 2
England gifted Switzerland a two goal head start with some comedic set piece defending
Continue Reading
Gerard Houllier has reflected on his departure from Aston Villa and admitted that it was entirely necessary; it was just too risky for both the club and his own health. He also says that the club were “still traumatised” by the nature of Martin O’Neill’s exit five days before the season started.
He apparently spoke to France Football originally, but here are the translated quotes according to Sky Sports:
Gerard Houllier
I almost died. The doctors advised me to not resume before late
Continue Reading
We believe that Michael Bradley will be joining Aston Villa on permanent basis, but in this video from US Soccer he reflects, along with Jermaine Jones and Tim Howard, on the special challenges facing a player on loan.
There’s an interesting nugget towards the end as Bradley and Jones, who both came from the Bundesliga, confess to being off the pace of the game in England to begin with. In Bradley’s case, he’d have been extra rusty having not seen much
Continue Reading
Brad Friedel had a surprising number of options open to him as his Villa contract came to an end. Interest was reportedly shown by Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham, along with an offer of further 12 months at Villa Park.
However, it’s Spurs who have won the American’s signature and are due to announce this morning (Friday) that he will be moving to White Hart Lane from July 1st, presumably on a two year deal.
It’s sad to see Big Brad go, but
Continue Reading
With the headlines currently being dominated by Mark Hughes’ resignation from Fulham and the inevitable linkage to the Villa Park vacancy (I’m not convinced by the way), it’s easy to miss other news going on today.
Actually, this one is barely more than a footnote on German website RP Online, but it’s being reported that we will exercise our option to purchase Michael Bradley permanently from Borussia Mönchengladbach for a fee of €5m which includes the loan period.
The Google translation
Continue Reading
Darren Bent completed the trio of Villans on England duty taking their turns in front of the media ahead of the Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland. He talks about his ability and willingness to play in either a one or two striker system and how moving to Villa was the right move for him. I agree.
And if you’re after a little reading material, I’d recommend this Guardian interview with Bent where he reveals how out of place he felt during
Continue Reading