Well it’s hardly a surprise, but it looks like Bruce will be announced as our latest manager tomorrow, with Keith Bertschin, Stephen Clemence and Gary Walsh joining the background staff, according to the Telegraph;
www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/10/11/aston-villa-to-appoint-steve-bruce-as-manager-on-wednesday/
The Beeb are running the story too.
Seeing as I tend to call most stuff wrong, I’m going to blow my own trumpet and say “I told you so”.
Not that it means much, as it was looking more obvious by the day, wasn’t it?
So on the assumption that the story is correct (and there’s no reason to think it isn’t, except the Telegraph actually says “within the next 48 hours”), I’m going to make a plea.
I realise that while there are many that support Bruce being our next manager, I also accept that there is a sizeable minority that don’t and will quite simply never accept him because he was once at Blues.
Without wishing to upset those who don’t like him, I have to say I think it’s just pathetic.
I’m not going to go into the ins and outs, but for me, it’s summed up easily.
He hasn’t been near our neighbours for 9 years.
And he’s got promotion from the Championship 4 times.
That latter point is enough for me in itself and I believe he’s simply the best man for the job that’s required at the moment.
I’m not saying we have a love-in and make the bloke a messiah.
Indeed, as far as I’m concerned if he gets us promoted and proves dodgy in the Prem, I’ll probably be one of the first calling for his head.
But for now, we need to get behind the bloke and give him a proper chance to get us back to the Prem.
Most of us knew that RDM was the wrong bloke for the job and similarly, I believe most of us know that Bruce is the best bet of bouncing straight back up, as much as some of us might not want to admit it.
What we need to do is give Bruce a few weeks at least, same as we did for RDM. Hell, I’d like to give him a lot longer than that, because I know he will at least set the players up properly and have them drilled, even if results don’t come instantly.
Basically what I’m saying is we’ve seen that we have a panicky squad that needs settling.
There will be no chance of that happening if we’re getting on Bruce’s back from the off.
I see James Chester was saying what a knowledgeable bunch of fans we are.
You know it makes sense.
For you younger supporters, you might need a nudge as to what the headline’s about.
Just replace the word “Peace” with “Bruce”;
As it happens, I remember we used to sing the words “All we are saying is give us a goal” to that tune.
Things don’t really change that much do they?
Comments
125 responses to “All we are saying is give Bruce a chance!, Appointment tomorrow”
Not my number one choice, but I’m four square behind him, just stabilise us, keep us up and go for promotion next season will do me. RDM has brought in the forward talent for him so it’s not as if he’s starting from scratch, but still give him time, the continuous sackings and short termism must stop. Stevie Bruce’s claret & blue army!!
Another manager has taken up the poison chalice. This could go pear shaped and fwiw I think it will. I have been optimistic with each of our last five managerial appointments (mcliesh) included. This time I’m feeling the total opposite. Hope my gut feelings are proved wrong. If this one doest work out though we are totally fucked as the better players will be harder to keep if we don’t get a sniff of promotion this season. Wonder will we get the new manager boost though. Seems to happen to other teams but never with us.
Tekkers, regardless of the rest of your comment (and I agree with you, the doubt about Bruce apart. McLeish, really?) we have nowhere left to go.
If this doesn’t work, we’ve had it and the 3rd division beckons.
It’s why we have to get behind him
The McLeish part ? Did I really type that ! Lol. What I mean is I’m this time expecting nothing and hoping I’m proved wrong. Nothing to do with it being Bruce. But all to do with being Villa. Somebody has to get it right soon. May as well be a former Blues Manager that is a Newcastle fan and played for United. In saying that he does strike me as a nice bloke . Hope it works out.
I disagree. I’m not sure he will get us in the playoffs as too much damage has been done. But he should keep us up and take us up next year
Just wondering if Bruce might actually be a good fit for once.
We were optimistic about our previous managers, all of who disappointed, and I get the feeling there’s a kind of ‘who cares’ attitude about Bruce with some fans.
For once expectations aren’t sky high and that could be good plus, as I’ve said previously, Bruce has always worked with cash strapped clubs and he’s done okay. Give him a few quid and who knows?
Not expecting too much to change against Wolves but, for once, I’m actually looking forward to the game. It will be interesting to see what he can do in a few days.
UTV
I wasn’t optimistic about our last managers. But your right there is no real pressure on Bruce all he really need do this year is keep us up and stabilise us. Without that pressure we might sneak into play offs. Though pressure will be in him next season to get us promoted if we dosnt do it this yr
Ah, Honourable Steve Bruce!
Greetings, and welcome to the Chinese take-away! Out of the Firing line and into the Wok. May we suggest you get a spotted claret and blue tie, the striped variety have the opposite slant to…er never mind.
Save yourself some trouble Ignore the usual patter, ‘everyone starts with a clean sheet’ etc. Pick up the bomb squad list and just add to it if necessary.
🙂
I woke up this morning feeling alot more optimistic for the future, I can see wolves getting a thumping Saturday great atmosphere at VP & the players trying to impress the new gaffer bring it on Utv VTID SOTC
I have never enjoyed watching a SB team play. However he has always had to work on a tight budget and he has delivered the results that were hoped for, so the grinding rather than stylish method cannot be held against him. He is now at a club with higher expectations, and for once perhaps the funds to match the high hopes. I wish him the best of luck.
Id be very surprised if we got in the play offs. Historically you need around 20 wins which means we’d need better than a 1 in 2 win ratio. Considering we haven’t even won an away game since August 2015 its not realistic.
I’d imagine Bruce’s remit is salvage what you can from this season and then you need to get us up in 2017-18 season.
According to BBC Humberside we’re making an approach for coach Stephen Clemence –
https://twitter.com/HumbersideSport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
I thought we already had him
Birminghammail@email.trinitymirror-news.co.uk its true Giddy.
Then when the list of backroom staff was made public the other day that was a wish list & not rubber stamped I was on the assumption this was who will be coming with him.
Steve Bruce (and Wyness) very impressive in news conference. At last we have an intelligent, articulate manager who can take a rise out of himself but knows exactly what is needed and wants to manage us – forget the past and look to the future.
When he took over at Blues (at Christmas) they were 15th and he got them promoted – keep the faith; we CAN do it.
I agree H60 they where very impressive. Listening to Bruce it took a smile to my face, this is the man we need to take us forward.
Just watched the interview and yes, Bruce comes across well.
Some interesting comments.
He doesn’t know how long his contract is! and said “it doesn’t matter”.
He also laughed about us calling him potato head 🙂
Wyness said Bruce is the best man for the job, which makes me wonder why we didn’t go for him in the first place, when it was well known that Bruce wasn’t happy at Hull. Xia, no doubt.
And Clemence is coming in mostly because he’s youngish and should be able to relate to the players. A good move I’d say.
You can watch it here, if you haven’t seen it (you need to scroll down);
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/steve-bruce-unveiling-live-aston-12021332
Badger – was Wyness originally involved in the decision? Timing in my mind is a bit hazy but I agree that RDM was essentially Dr. T’s call – dazzled by the Champions League win no doubt.
Hope Dr. T is a quick learner (no pun intended 🙂 ) and realises success at football has far more imponderables than in business.
Er no he wasn’t. I’ve just checked.
RDM came in on June 2nd and Wyness came in on the 16th.
Ignore that part then 🙂
I think if we had approached him in the close season he would of snapped our hands off & possibly wouldn’t of been in this SHITE Dr x your money’s welcome but choice of manager nahhh
Terrible interference watching the interview….kept stopping and those cameras doing me head in…..not a good start to the new era….lol
I was told by a good source that it was Chris Samuelson who was responsible for bringing in RDM, they are both Swiss by birth and apparently close friends. Samuelson tried to bring him in as Reading manager during his time there but the chairman wouldn’t buy it, he also tried to get him the managers job at another club he was involved in but I can’t remember which. He certainly loves RDM, but thankfully both have now left our club!!
That’s interesting Dave – didn’t know Samuelson had gone. Was always a bit wary as he was responsible (so I understand) for introducing the Russian owner to Reading that subsequently ‘disappeared’ leaving them in the sh1t.
http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=7521382
Seems to be a bit of a doubt over how involved he was Hitchens, I was told he is/was great friends with RDM and was definitely behind him getting the Villa job, probably wowed Dr. Tony with his Chelsea champs league win!!
I suspect you’re right Dave.
Samuelson was probably just one of those “enablers”, who has connections and gets paid a boatload of money for basically doing not a lot.
Spawny Git.
Thanks Ardent, Dave. Agree with Badger on this
I see the 4,365 allocation for Reading has sold out.
Brilliant support and it makes you wonder how many would go if it wasn’t limited.
“Earlier in the day he met the canteen employees, exchanged pleasantries with the reception staff and settled into his new surroundings with ease.”
Bodes well.
We never heard anything like this about RDM.
I wonder what the tea lady thinks?
I wonder what he thought about the tea???
What a great interview! Ticked all the right boxes for me.
His was so positive too, just hope it rubs off on the players.
Kind of looking forward to Saturday now
UTV
First thing SB does is say “It’s a clean slate, and he can’t rule out a Gabby comeback.”
Look Steve, just throw the book at him, the one with the diet you have been on. And if you’re up for a laugh – send him to your hairdressser.
OLL, you never fail to make me smile/laugh with your comments mate 🙂
Ever fancied writing on here?, as I think you’d be good at it.
I’d kick Gabby out in a heartbeat, but it is only fair that Bruce takes a look at him.
Fwiw, I don’t think Gabby will get very far in trying to dominate anything under Bruce, as he’ll suss him out quickly.
Again fwiw, I think Bruce will see that Gabby at best, is a one trick pony with his pace, who has lost that trick and won’t retrieve it.
He’ll be bombed out if we can find anyone mug enough to take him on half the stupid wages that Lambert gave him.
That contract stunk to high heaven and I’d love to know what really went on there (bung? surely not?).
Maybe it is worth looking at gabby again especially in derby games where he’s always done well. Bottom line is the strikers we have now are barely setting the world alight. Gestede imo is our best striker at the moment and should be first choice. The rest are mediocre. Ayew couldn’t hit a barn door, McCormack you barely notice he is in the pitch, kodga is ok in flashes.
What else could Bruce say (about Gabby) publicly; ‘OK guy’s I’ve already got my Villa bomb squad list together’!
Bruce is no mug and it’s clear that he’ll be aware of past problems and also the anti Gabby feeling from the fans. Gabby will have to show something pretty special both on and off the field to resurrect his career – sadly I’m not sure he has the nous or the desire to achieve any sort of comeback.
No of course H60, you are right. SB does not have to make any enemies before a ball has been kicked.
If Gabby could get himself back into shape (I doubt it) I think there is a slot for him as Right Back. No I am not joking, it is the same corner he has played in just with the opposite shirt on. We aren’t blessed with durable RB’s at the moment.
Thanks for your kind words but I am a bit remote from Villa – and I am not going to the away games nearer me until my Bomb Squad have gone. The list has slimmed down but still contains Gabby, Richards, Bacuna, Hutton Westwood and Bunn. When none of those make the starting line up I will buy my next ticket.
Will be interesting to see what he makes of Westwood ?
Problem is westwood is only 1 of 4 recognised midfielders at the club. Bachman is shite. Jedinek is too old and Tishbola is our only decent midfielder but he’s injury prone. No choice but to play WW until Jan window opens
I’ve said it before, but Westwood will be one of the first on the team sheet, because he’s no doubt superb on the training ground.
And that’s where I really hope Bruce can differentiate the training ground from an actual game.
My money says we’ll have mids coming in, in the winter window and even if we haven’t heard of them, they’ll start before Westwood does.
As it stands, Westwood is one of our better bets in the middle.
And that’s disgraceful, as well as being symptomatic of where we are.
We have a limited choice of defensive mids but keep overlooking the wider choice of attacking midfielders particularly if we play a diamond formation. Grealish was brilliant for U23’s playing tip of diamond or in old parlance creative no 10 role – we don’t fully utilise his talents playing him left wing.
We also have Adomah and Ayew – fwiw I don’t see Ayew as an out and out striker.
Our other major weakness is at right back and goalkeeper – again. Be interesting to see how he deals with those.
The general consensus is that Bruce has to quickly work out a formation and style of play that works with the strengths we have – something RDM failed to achieve.
Shabby will be coming out singing bruces praises arse licker he’ll suss him out pretty quickly & I hope he’ll notice we’re too lightweight in the.middle of the park roll on January Utv
Looks like Bruce is aiming high, Sam Johnstone Man utd player has 18 months left on his contract and Bruce is targeted the man. seems he knows who’s who even now.
So he’s pointed out our goalkeeping is suspicious, let’s get after a tough midfielders I say, and that’s not a criticism of Bruce.
Its a worrying thought but what happened to the “rule” that says that a club always gets a few good results with a new manager. Our last 3 managers didn’t get it. Why not Villa and could it be that influences by the some senior players is too strong
Will Bruce be able to bring back Sanchez, Veretout and Gil from loan, I’d take them over our present midfield in a flash!
Amen, brother.