Morley - Speed and Graft Just Right

Wing wizard Tony Morley says Martin O'Neill is getting the blend of speed and graft just right.

One of the immortal team of 82, Morley said: 'It's not difficult to work out what Martin stands for. Pace and hard work and that is some combination. It is about appreciating where football is at. In this day and age where defenders have to be more careful with their tackling, there is a bigger place for pace and skill. O'Neill realises this and that is why he has a team that contains such players as Ashley, Gabriel, Luke Moore and others. If you can run quickly with the ball then you are an asset.'

He also praises Villa's assistant manager John Robertson pointing him out as a good man to help develop Ashley Young.

'John Robertson was just about the best crosser from a tight angle. I played against him many times and marvelled at his ability. You can be sure that he is giving Ashley Young all the best advice about how to deliver the final ball. You can see even in the few months that he has been with Villa how Ashley has improved as a player and makes better use of his pace.'

Love this quote from the official site: 'I am jealous of him, jealous that he is playing for a great club, in a great league, on great pitches and under a great manager. He has all his best years to come and can make such a big impression for Villa. The same goes for Gabriel.

And on Villa in general, 'You can see that things are moving in the right direction. Of course it is only one good victory and Villa did need a last minute goal to defeat Fulham and they did lose to Liverpool after a below par performance. The signs are good, but there is a long way to go.'

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.

Join the Vital Fantasy Football League - its Free!