A tweet from supporter Sam McAllister has struck a chord with fans on Twitter in recent days.
In what is effectively a call to arms, the message calls on the team to stamp their mark on the playoffs and gain promotion:
https://twitter.com/SupersizedSam/status/993467419007049730
Supporters reacted to the tweet with a variety of responses:
https://twitter.com/bennybale/status/994089957387132930
*goosebumps*
— Erika Goldman 🦁 💜💙 (@goldman_erika) May 9, 2018
I've been saying this for weeks. The only team that will deny Villa promotion is Aston Villa. If we turn up at our best, I can't see anyone stopping us. That said, we have a habit of not showing up when it matters. 🤞
— Jess (@jhavfc) May 9, 2018
We don’t ‘belong’ anywhere. We are where we deserve to be at the moment. Other than that, yes it’s time for calm heads and focus
— Stumpy71 (@ajsfounded71) May 10, 2018
Let’s hope they’re not like the 3 games after beating wolves!
— Lloyd (@VillaLloyd) May 9, 2018
Well said Sam. Lots of Villans worrying about the other teams in play offs. Nonsense, we are Aston Villa, let them all worry about us. COYL
— Jim Bourne (@JimBourne5) May 9, 2018
Go and give them a team talk in the dressing room !
— Dr Well Maker (@bnkboi) May 9, 2018
We should have enough quality to get through these 3 games and rightly so get back to where we belong
— Haroon VTID (@Haroon_62) May 7, 2018
We need 11 captains and leaders to become legends over the next 3 games
— John VTID (@ClassOf82_AVFC) May 9, 2018
270 minutes of Bruce's tactics tho
— Richard E. (@richoleque) May 9, 2018
So so right! Well said! Come on Villa! Utv
— Gilbs Wife 🦁 (@Gilbswife) May 9, 2018
Verdict:
The players will want to do their talking on the pitch on Saturday, but fans should be backing this team to the hilt.
It’s not always been plain sailing this season, and recent performances have not been perfect, but with the manager’s record in the playoffs, there should be a great deal of optimism that we’ll turn up when it matters most.
There’s no doubt that the semi-final against Boro will be a tight affair, but I’m backing us to have enough quality to get to the final.
In terms of promotion, I will not look that far ahead. Let’s just get the job done at the weekend first!
