Interview 92 - Birmingham City FC

Birmingham City, Birmingham, West Midlands
Arch-Rivals: Aston Villa

Nickname: The Blues
Founded: 1875

Birmingham City

The quickfire interview was done with Kati, @filanbcfc on Twitter. Follow her now.


Q1.What do you think of the exit of Alex McLeish to Villa and your new manager, who do you want/expect?


I still don't really know how to feel about it to be honest. I was hoping we would get a new manager in for the new season, so I’m obviously happy about that. But on the other hand, I think it’ll feel strange seeing a manager who I saw as a legend for winning the cup, at our biggest rivals. I think, and hope, we’ll get Hughton in as manager.

Q2. What expectations do you have of your club this year?

Automatic promotion. All depends on who leaves/comes in, but I expect us to challenge for the top two. Don’t expect much from our Europa League campaign though, especially if key players leave.

Q3. Which match defined your team last season?

I’d have to say the Carling Cup final. It summed up what our team was about, the passion and team spirit which played a huge part in our successful 09/10 season. As great as some of our players were, there’s no argument that Arsenal are by far a more superior team, but on the day our determination and belief saw us become champions.

Q4. Who do you tip for promotion and relegation from your league?

The Championship is always so unpredictable, so it’s hard to answer! I think for promotion, it’ll be West Ham, Blues and Forest, expect Leicester and Reading to be in the mix as well. Then with relegation, well, that’s even harder to predict. Haven’t really seen much of the three promoted teams to know how they’ll do next season. I’m gonna go for Peterborough, Doncaster and Barnsley.

Q5. Which player would you realistically like to sign?

Would love Bothroyd or Mackail-Smith at St. Andrews, but sadly can’t see either turning down the Premier League if they get offers.

Q6. Which of your players will have a point to prove this season?

It depends who stays really, hard to know at the moment. Marlon King hasn’t been the most popular of signings, so I think he’ll want to score a handful of goals to try and get the Blues fans on his side.

Q7. Who are you most looking forward to playing?

The first fixture I usually look for when they come out are the matches against Villa and Wolves, so this season there isn’t really any team who I’m looking forward to playing most. The draw for the Europa League hasn’t been done yet, but no doubt I’ll be most excited about playing whichever team we get drawn against.

Q8. What team do you hate playing?

Wigan. The games between us always seem to be important ones, and we always struggle to get a result against them.

Q9. What ground do you look forward to playing at most. (Away league games only!)

Nothing to do with the actual ground, but apart from last season’s visit, I’ve always enjoyed our trips to Mollineux!

Q10. Do you look out for any other teams in the league? If so, which one(s)?

I have some Spurs family, so always like to see them do well. Probably explains my loathing of Arsenal too!

Q11. Do you have any match superstitions?

I go through phases where a certain shirt is lucky! Last season in the most important matches I would offer up a forfeit on Twitter if Birmingham were to win said game. My forfeit for winning the Carling Cup was a display photo of me kissing the Villa badge for a month!

Q12. Sum up Birmingham City FC in three words.

Joys and sorrows.

Q13. Favourite Blues player of all time?

I have so many favourite Blues players, it’s hard to choose! Was always a huge fan of Stan Lazaridis, though I think Seb Larsson just beats him!

Q14. How will you fare in the cup competitions?

14. After winning the cup last season, I can’t see domestic cups being a priority for us. Think whoever comes in will concentrate on getting us back up to the Premier League straight away.

Q15. Name three things you could improve to do with Blues. (Money excluded!)

Would say that one of the things I’d most like to change at Blues is the style of football. Hopefully with McLeish gone we can get in an attack minded manager to start playing some positive football!

Interview 92 - Aston Villa FC

Aston Villa, Birmingham, West MidlandsArch-Rivals: Birmingham City
Nickname: The Villans
Founded: 1874

Aston Villa

The quickfire interview was done with Ryan, @ryann_walsmley on Twitter. Follow him.

Q1.What do you think of the seemingly impending appointment of Alex McLeish?

1. F***ing underwhelmed to say the least. 

Q2. What expectations do you have of your club this year?


2. Not much in all honesty, but it depends on who the manager is. Somewhere between 8th and 11th is my guess, hopefully with an appearance at Wembley thrown in there.


Q3. Which match defined your team last season? 


3. I'd say the Chelsea away game was close to it, but when we beat Man City at home with Bent scoring the only goal on his debut was massive. The pure relief felt around the ground after that game was so evident. After that, we really started to push on. 


Q4. Who do you tip for relegation from your league? 


4. The obvious choices perhaps but Swansea, Norwich and QPR. 
I don't think that Swansea have enough fire power upfront despite signing Danny Graham, their away record in the Championship was hardly great nor do I think they have the defensive steel in their side unlike Norwich and QPR. 
Judging by Norwich's signings so far, they just seem to be making sure that they are ready for life in the Championship at the start of next season, but under Lambert, who knows. 
Under the stewardship of Neil Warnock, I think QPR will be a very tough side to break down, but the question remains if their owners are prepared to back the manager, without it though, I can't see them playing Premier League football for two consecutive years.


Q5. Which player would you realistically like to sign?


5. I'd love to see Milner back, but you said realistic, so I'll go with Kyle Walker, a player that really excites me. 


Q6. Which of your players will have a point to prove this season?


6. Dunne and Collins, if they're still here that is. And maybe Makoun.


Q7. Who are you most looking forward to playing?


7. I've never seen us play them before so I'll say Swansea.


Q8. What team do you hate playing? 


8. Was going to say Blues, but as it happens, we won't be playing them next season! I'll go with Stoke. Don't get me started on them.


Q9. What ground do you look forward to playing at most. (Away league games only!)


9. Soulless stadium but the DW. Been there 4 times now, and we've won on every occasion.


Q10. Do you look out for any other teams in the league? If so, which one(s)?


10. West Brom and Wolves, which is quite strange, seeing as the feeling is most definitely not mutual. I'll put it down to jealousy, haha.


Q11. Do you have any match superstitions?


11. Nah, not that type of person!


Q12. Sum up Aston Villa FC in three words.


12. At the moment? Sack of s***. (Inconsistent yet encapturing being the politer version.)


Q13. Favourite Villa player of all time?


13. Ian Taylor. Absolute hero. 




Q14. How will you fare in the cup competitions?


14. Dependant on the manager and where we are situated in the league. I reckon we'll be solidly mid-table, so a cup run could be on the cards, I hope.


Q15. Name three things you could improve to do with Villa. (Money excluded!)


15. Knock down the eyesore that is the North Stand, make the chips and curry sauce cheaper and a better atmosphere, it was like being in a morgue at some games last season.

Interview 92 - Bolton Wanderers

Bolton Wanderers, Bolton, Greater ManchesterArch-Rivals: Blackburn Rovers
Nickname: The Trotters
Founded: 1874

Bolton Wanderers

The quickfire interview was done with Ian, @IanChadbond1958 on Twitter

Q1.What do you think of Owen Coyle, from his time managing you?

Owen Coyle brought relief to thousands of fans by taking over from Gary Megson. He instilled a sense of belief within the club and went on to prove his football coaching skills could equal the best by remodelling, reshaping and respecting the players he had inherited from Megson. A testament to this was not only the first half of the season but the introduction of loan players such as Jack Wilshere, Daniel Sturridge and Vladimir Weiss. Wilshere has since gone onto England fame and no doubt Sturridge will too. Coyle’s positive attitude and love for the game has found many a Trotters fan defensive whenever a managerial post becomes available. It is sad to say that the season petered out after the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Stoke. Although, I don’t think anybody had had the stuffing knocked out of them more than Mr Owen Coyle. It’s, “Work in progress”. 8/10

 Q2. What expectations do you have of your club this year?

8^th or 9^th in the League, that’s all.

 Q3. Which match defined your team last season?

West Ham United away from home early in the season – it reinforced belief in the team’s new found freedom in 

their passing game whilst still understanding that there needs to be both a plan A and plan B.

 Q4. Who do you tip for relegation from your league?

Blackburn, Swansea & Wolves

 Q5. Which player would you realistically like to sign?

 Zoltan Gera (on a free)

Q6. Which of your players will have a point to prove this season?

 Petrov – great skills but needs to be more of a team player and lose the perceived attitude.

Q7. Who are you most looking forward to playing?

 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Q8. What team do you hate playing?

 Birmingham City at St Andrews. This goes back to the old 3^rd Division when it became a so-called bogie-ground.

Q9. What ground do you look forward to playing at most. (Away league games only!)

 Molineux

Q10. Do you look out for any other teams in the league? If so, which one(s)?

Any team at the bottom of the Premier League, Rochdale, Preston & strangely enough Cowdenbeath!

 Q11. Do you have any match superstitions?

 I always clear the driveway of any cigarette stubs at least an hour before kick off.

Q12. Sum up Bolton Wanderers FC in three words.

 “Sir” Nat Lofthouse

Q13. Favourite Bolton player of all time?

 Super John McGinlay

Q14. How will you fare in the cup competitions?

 League Cup 3^rd Rnd, FA Cup 4^th Rnd

Q15. Name three things you could improve to do with Bolton. (Money excluded!)

1. Move the Reebok Stadium into Bolton.
2. Change the club badge back to the Red Rose of Lancashire with the town’s emblem – the Elephant & Castle.
3. Go back to using black shorts instead of navy blue.

Interview 92 - Sunderland AFC

Sunderland AFC, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear
Arch-Rivals: Newcastle United
Nickname: The Black Cats
Founded: 1879

Sunderland

The quickfire interview was done with Matty, @MJWsafc on Twitter. Follow his blog http://myoldmansaidfollowsunderland.blogspot.com/

Q1.What do you think of the loss of Henderson?  

Sad to see the lad go as he was a major asset to us, however he's worked hard for a big move and who are we to stand in his way - he deserves it. It's good money too, especially for a player that may not be as big of a success as the early signs suggest. He gets the very best of luck from me and the majority of other Sunderland fans; he's moved because he's an ambitious lad that wants to win things, that's the correct attitude in football.

Q2. What expectations do you have of your club this year?  

Realistically I think another top 10 would be a good season, as I still don't think we're ready to launch a real challenge for Europe, our squad doesn't have enough quality, despite our team probably being capable. I'm not sure Bruce is the right man to take us there either, but you never know, we'll have to wait and see.

Q3. Which match defined your team last season?

There are a few, however Aston Villa away stands out for me. Meyler and Welbeck were both stretchered off, and this would typify our season, being plagued with injuries. However despite that we won the match 0-1, which symbolises our top 10 finish - grit and determination got us there in the end.  

Q4. Who do you tip for relegation from your league?  

Tough one, I can't see Wigan staying up again, I also think Swansea will fall short of the mark required in the Premier League. Not too sure on the other team, I'm going to say Blackburn though - I really don't think Steve Kean is the right man for the job and they were still involved in a battle up until the last couple of games of last season. They've also lost Chris Samba and Phil Jones to Arsenal and Man United respectively, a lot depends on how well he replaces them two.

Q5. Which player would you realistically like to sign?  

We need about 10! If I had to say one though, I'd say Charles N'Zogbia. I know we need 3 strikers, but I'm not sure on who specifically I'd like us to sign in that area. We've been after Zog for a while, and I think he's exactly what we're missing from the midfield - somebody that can run and beat his man and then whipping a good, quality cross in. He chips in with a goal or two, too.

Q6. Which of your players will have a point to prove this season? 

Asamoah Gyan needs to prove his price tag after a just above average season last season, Phil Bardsley needs to prove that his outstanding season last season wasn't just a fluke, Gordon needs to earn a new contract, Meyler needs to win his place back in the squad after injury, as does Fraizer Campbell. Obviously any new signing will need to prove their worth too. 

Q7. Who are you most looking forward to playing? 

Newcastle, after the thrashing at Sid. James' last season and the poor result at the SoL last season, we'll be well and truly out for revenge next time around. 

Q8. What team do you hate playing?  

Newcastle! Love and hate derbies at the same time, they can be the best days in the world, but on the flip side, they can be the absolute worst too. 

Q9. What ground do you look forward to playing at most. (Away league games only!)  

I'm quite looking forward to Swansea, I've never been to The Liberty Stadium - we've not played them in my life time.

Q10. Do you look out for any other teams in the league? If so, which one(s)? 

In the Premier League I look out for Wolves. I follow Athletic Bilbao, Forfar Athletic and Celtic in other leagues, too.

Q11. Do you have any match superstitions? 

Alcohol consumption!

Q12. Sum up Sunderland AFC in three words. 

Frustrating. Addictive. Frustrating.

Q13. Favourite Sunderland player of all time?  

It has to be Super Kev. Nobody really comes close, to be honest. There doesn't really need to be an explanation - 113 goals in 208 games. He's my favourite player, although I love Niall Quinn too - admittedly though that's more to do with him saving us later on! 

Q14. How will you fare in the cup competitions? 

We'll not get past the first stage, we never do. We'll lose away to Kettering Town or summit.

Q15. Name three things you could improve to do with Sunderland. (Money excluded!) 

Hmmm....Not so much an improvement as sorts, but I would like us to have a decent cup run. The last time we did anything of note in the cup was 2005 when we lost to Milwall in the Semi Final of the FA Cup. The FA Cup is a magical trophy that is losing it's appeal, sadly. I'd like us and every other team to take it as serious as it once was. On a lighter but equally as serious note, I'd like us to get the contract for Pukka Pies back. The meat:pastry ratio on the current ones is not acceptable in my book. Sort it out Quinny! The third improvement I'd like to see in the next few years is an extension of the upper tier - at the moment it only goes round half of the ground and looks a bit unfinished. Thing is, it would be quite unnecessary, but it would look better. 

Interview 92 - Swindon Town FC

Swindon Town FC, Swindon, Wiltshire
Arch-Rivals: Oxford United
Nickname: The Robins
Founded: 1879

Swindon Town

The quickfire interview was done with Ollie, @olliehowitt on Twitter. 

Q1.Who do you tip for promotion from League 2? 

Swindon, Crawley, Rotherham, Torquay and Bradford

Q2. What expectations do you have of your club this year?

Following our dismal season leading to our relegation, I expect us to bounce straight back up. We have Di Canio which has brought a lot of excitement and belief into the club

Q3. Which match defined your team last season?

Yeovil at home, lost 1-0. All the signs were there, no effort, no teamwork. Poor.

Q4. Who do you tip for relegation from your league?

Plymouth and Macclesfield

Q5. Which player would you realistically like to sign?

Cody Macdonald, although half the country rumoured in him

Q6. Which of your players will have a point to prove this season?

I would like to name a few, but they have recently jumped ship. Elliot Benyon, never had a chance to make impact

Q7. Who are you most looking forward to playing?

Oxford!

Q8. What team do you hate playing?

Oldham, hate going up there as always grim!

Q9. What ground do you look forward to playing at most. (Away league games only!)

Bradford, and a few of the little grounds. Purely tick them off

Q10. Do you look out for any other teams in the league? If so, which one(s)?

Southend. Lovely cafe in away end

Q11. Do you have any match superstitions?

I bet money against us

Q12. Sum up Swindon Town in three words.

Frustrating, Loveable and Big

Q13. Favourite Swindon player of all time?

Only been a fan since 2003, so I have to say Sam Parkin, or most recently Simon Cox

Q14. How will you fare in the cup competitions?

Hopefully we concentrate on the league, as aim to go up straight away. But a nice little cup run is always nice

Q15. Name three things you could improve to do with Oxford. (Money excluded!)

Sign players quicker, better food in the ground, and get rid of the rockin robin with the 13 year old cheer leaders! Cringey

McLeish confirmed as Villa manager.

This could be an utter disaster of an appointment. A man who has taken down the same side twice in 3 years, a man with a patchy transfer record, a man disliked by damn near all of Birmingham. But then again, this could be a decision we may celebrate in the future.

Lets hope eh!

Don't get me wrong, I didn't want McLeish, and he was not in my top 30 choices for manager. However, I am above all else, a supporter of Aston Villa Football Club, and despire how hard it is, I am going to get fully behind Eck. There's no point in wanting him out without giving him a chance - it isn't fair. However, the man will have to do a lot, and I do mean a lot, to win over most of the Villa faithful. Even if he did, there will be a knot of supporters who'll never want him as manager. But who knows what a supportive board and a few mil can do? He was criticised for his dour style, and I for one hate his style of football, but we've got Darren Bent, and for the moment, Stewart Downing and Marc Albrighton in our attack. With all due respect to Birmingham, a frontline of Larsson, Zigic and Jerome is hardly a fearsome attack. One thing I do commend him on is his defence organisation. 


Either way it is a strange appointment, and it shows a) not only does Randy have the strength of mind to appoint an unpopular manager, but b) McLeish has a set of balls on him to do this. 


We have a decent set of fixtures to start off the season, so let's hope Big 'Eck can get a few signings in and get the team firing. Hopefully this will be a successful appointment, and Villa can have a strong season.




UTV. VTID. Unleash McLeish.

Interview 92 - Oxford United

Oxford United FC, Oxford, Oxfordshire
Arch-Rivals: Swindon Town
Nickname: The U's
Founded: 1893



Oxford United

The quickfire interview was done with Joe, @oxbeav on Twitter.

Q1.Who do you tip for promotion from League 2?

Crawley Town, Bristol Rovers, Oxford United & Bradford

Q2. What expectations do you have of your club this year?

I expect them to improve on last year. I hope they'll get promoted and believe they'll at least be top 7 but I never like to set expectations too high.

Q3. Which match defined your team last season?

Probably Barnet away. 2 - 2. We just weren't good enough in the right places at the right times. Too many silly errors meant we lacked consistency.

Q4. Who do you tip for relegation from your league?

Macclesfield and Hereford. Macclesfield will go down sooner or later. (No offence)

Q5. Which player would you realistically like to sign?

Well Clayton Donaldson and Cody McDonald were heavily linked with us but I'm going to say Nicky Law - Rotherham. What a player.

Q6. Which of your players will have a point to prove this season?

Anthony Tonkin played superbly in 2 games last season. The rest of the time he was below average and he contributed to about 10 opposition goals.

James Constable, didn't reach his 20 goal target and with our newest signings he's going to have to score more regularly to guarantee a place. Even though he's captain.

Q7. Who are you most looking forward to playing?

S*****n T**n.

Q8. What team do you hate playing?

Southend did the double over us last year. As did Stockport (Yet we beat Chesterfield away and did the double over Vale)

Q9. What ground do you look forward to playing at most. (Away league games only!)

I didn't go away much last season, Bradford is pretty big.

Q10. Do you look out for any other teams in the league? If so, which one(s)?

Recently been talking to a few alright Barnet fans. So I reckon I've grown a soft spot for em'

Q11. Do you have any match superstitions?

Too many. The route from pub to ground, the song in the car, the time upon entry and whether I wear my colours or not.

Q12. Sum up Oxford United in three words.

Large, quirky and fantastic

Q13. Favourite Oxford player of all time?

Age limits me to players I've seen. Can I say 3? The BEAST. Dean Whitehead and Jake Wright

Q14. How will you fare in the cup competitions?

Wilder doesn't like to lose anything. We lost to West Ham in the 90th minute last year - Scott Parker scored (who else?). I fancy us to get to the prem teams. The buckets of paint trophy we'll probably lose in mind.

Q15. Name three things you could improve to do with Oxford. (Money excluded!)

Improve transport to the stadium, buy the ground and facilities and shoot Ka$$am.