That’s it then.
The inevitable has happened and we find ourselves in search of a new manager.
From what I’ve read, compensation was agreed at around the £1,000,000 figure and if that’s true I think we got off lightly even though I’ve thought for weeks that Garde wasn’t the right man for us.
So where did it go wrong?
Well, I keep reading that Remi Garde is a really nice man and that says a lot to me. A nice bloke and a bunch of petulant players as we have at the club were never going to be a good mix and it seems at least some of them just didn’t respect the manager. Garde’s failure to bring his favoured right hand man in was probably instrumental in his not being able to keep control and Richards calling a fan a “clown” via social media is just a typical example. Things like that just don’t happen under tough managers and if they do, they get stamped on hard.
Will Richards be fined for slating a fan? I doubt it.
Fundamentally, what went wrong was that Garde couldn’t get the players to perform for him and the result was a 10% or whatever win ratio. And it’s as simple as that.
He had to go.
So now what?
Eric Black will take over and I find myself dismayed.
Ok, he’s the number two and logical next in line until we sort something more permanent out.
But I worry about his appointment, as under Garde there must have been one of two situations, in my opinion.
Either he agreed with the way Garde was trying to do things and supported him. If that’s the case, what’s going to change?
Or he didn’t agree and just went along with things. Which doesn’t make him a very good number two in my eyes, as he should be advising/assisting the manager and telling him if he’s being too soft. Either way, this is probably the better situation of the two, as perhaps he’s a bit more of a disciplinarian. I doubt that’s the case though, as if it was, I’d have expected him to take over the training.
I suppose we have to have someone though although I’d have liked it to be Brian Little, as with his experience, he’d have soon sussed this lot out.
Hence my opinion says we have to get the next manager in as quickly as possible, so he can take a look at the rag-tag bunch we call a squad and instantly weed out the worst offenders, with the aim of getting rid at whatever cost.
Make no mistake, I believe that this is the single biggest priority of all. It even comes before how good I think a footballing manager he is.
Because trying to achieve anything will prove pointless if you have trouble-makers.
Even the great Brian Clough couldn’t do it at Leeds Utd because of some of the “personalities” there and while I’m not comparing Garde and Clough, I’m sure you know what I mean.
I said “at whatever cost”. And I mean it.
Pay them off, give them away, put them on gardening leave if we have too.
I don’t care. Just get rid of them, as they’ll drag the kids down with them if we don’t and we can kiss any hopes of promotion goodbye.
Alienate them and show the kids that unprofessional behaviour, whether on or off the pitch just cannot and will not be tolerated at the mighty Aston Villa.
Which all in all, means I’m leaning to Nigel Pearson.
Note I said “leaning”. I’m not convinced, by any means.
Although I do think he’s the sort of strong personality we need and he has been through the promotion mill. I can’t see his favoured backroom team leaving Leicester to join him though, which might make him a “doubtful”, if I’m being realistic.
I think Moyes is the fans’ favourite, but I’m not sure he will have the appetite for the challenge that any prospective manager faces.
That said, this is exactly what we’ve got the new board in for, isn’t it?
But they have a tough task in choosing a new manager. He’ll need to be given a lot of control and he’ll also need money, because if we weed out say half a dozen of the worst perpetrators, they’ll need replacing with decent quality and not kids from the squad.
And that’s where I worry even more.
Will Lerner be willing to fund the “root and branch” change that is needed for the club to genuinely move on?
I seriously have my doubts.
Still, if the board are as good as they’re being made out, they’ll convince Lerner that we have to go down this road won’t they?
And hopefully they’ll have been on the case for weeks and are close to making an appointment.
Won’t they??????
Or do we think our main target is currently employed and obliged to see the season out?
Questions, questions and as been said, this is a massive appointment; the one that could either save us or see us in a tailspin.
I can’t really leave this post without a poll can I?
And it has to be a nice sunny theme, as I’m sick of this rubbish weather.
Comments
110 responses to “Garde leaves and the board have to make one of the most important choices ever.”
I forgot Mick McCarthy. Oooh no, not for me.
Whatever, we need to get this one done asap, imo.
Voted for Moyes based on his time at Everton. Having said that he had a better win ratio than Van Gaal did at Man Ure and the Spanish job was always going to be a bit of a punt.
He ran a solid ship at Goodison Park and we could do with some of that at VP for a few years.
Having said that I wouldn’t be that disappointed with Rogers or Pearson and certainly Pearson would fit the bill for kicking the arses that need a severe kicking.
Personally still got a liking for Rowett though and he isn’t even on your list.
Anyway we need a big change at VP and it finally looks like its finally coming.
Did anyone see Grealish send a tweet 15 minutes after Remi’s departure was announced. We better add Grealish to the list of arseholes that need to go regardless in the summer along with Gabby and Richards. Never has a player who has achieved so little, been so arrogant. He is a disgrace.
This is why I just cant fathom any interest in any new manager, because I really do despise these players so much.
My vote goes to whichever manager promises to clear as much of these tossers out as soon as possible, whoever that may be
I’m fully behind that villain1 too many toss pots in the squad need fucking off.
grealish is still only young lad getting loads bad advice but compare the way remi treated him compared to seasoned pros
4 stone flabby gabby captain superfan
coco the clown guzan chewing gum king
give a way goal hutton always pretending to try
lescott runner up chewing gum king waste of space
richards twat deserving trip to dubai im playing centre half even if i am useless
bacuna i going to axaj /psv to play champions league the way he played for us wycombe to high a level
All those players should go, including Grealish. Granted he has bad influences around him but being a young lad is not an excuse, Deli Alli is a young lad, so is Barkley, etc and you don’t see them disrespecting their managers and lying drunk in the street.
I think its clear Remi told Jack and a few of the other tossers a few home truths and they didn’t like it.
This is why it is so important the new manager whoever it may be does not start handing out second chances. There should be none with this bunch
Don’t get the furore over Grealish’ tweet. OK timing was pretty poor but he’s a lot of injury problems over the last few weeks and it’s a statement of fact – not a criticism of the outgoing manager. Methinks we are all becoming a bit to quick to criticise every single player for every single action.
Gary Neville has been sacked at Vakencia please not him
I think Moyes would be the best option we have right now.
Dyche would be excellent too, but if Burnley come up, then there is absolutely no chance of him coming.
You’re right though, we have to get this right. I just cant believe what a f–k up this whole season has been. It just seems to keep getting worse…and its not even April yet!
I’m In the Moyes camp as much for his experience for working successfully with a limited budget as the need to invite the fan base for the challenge ahead. I think almost any other choice will be devisive and we really do need everyone pulling in the same direction.
Should the board approach Moyes and should he take the job then I also think that would be a positive message from Moyes about the new club structure and its future direction.
The last thing we need know is a controversial egotist so, personally, I would not be in favour of Pearson…..
*unite the fan base
I understand most of you suggesting Moyes but dont you think in today playing world a strong minded person needed? Pearson did come from a good back ground, plus did an excellent job at Leicester, Moyes seems to be to timidly a person that’s needed in today’s footballing world. Its ok Garde leaving but who stays? some blame has to be given to coaching, to me Pearson has that CV.
I agree bill I’m in the pearson camp he won’t put up with this player power bollox would moyes want to manage a championship side??
Pearson did build the foundations of Leicesters championship chasing squad. Ranieri just fine tuned it
I understand Moyes only won 9 points out of 11 games and was 16 th in the league at Real, he don’t feel right for me.
No point bringing in Pearson, his backroom staff are all still at Leicester and the scout responsible for finding Mahrez, etc has already moved to Arsenal.
Without them Pearson is pointless, and factor in the crazy behaviour of strangling players on the touchline, its a no go.
Villain1
Yes your right they are at Leicester but its someone that’s needed to lead them coach’s and Pearson has that leadership quality, Man Utd coaching staff moved from them when the new man came in and they are not doing to bad. It’s leadership not sitting on the back sides you need Pearson will do it.
Ugo Ehiogu and David Platt would be my choice.
# Not needed in today’s world of football.
Hi bloggers ,what happened to adana traore cant seem to find out.
If I was pushed to choose someone, I’d probably say Mark Warburton. Did a great job at Brentford, doing well at Rangers, seems a very articulate and intelligent guy (ex city trader). Not sure he’d join us though.
Second choice would probably be Karanka, he’s turned the shambles at Middlesbrough around quite well and has good contacts to exploit the loan market.
I would say it’s THE most important managerial appointment in the club’s history. If we get it wrong again, we’re destined for years, if not decades in the wilderness. I can’t see anyone coming in before the end of the season to have ‘relegated with Aston Villa’ on their CV regardless of the fact that the damage is well and truly done. I don’t think the funding will be a problem as it seems that Hollis is being given a free reign at the club to hire and fire as he sees fit so one has to assume that he’ll be sorting out what’s needed for a championship campaign with the new gaffer. I’d love to see a clear out and a few new faces in by the time the fixtures come out. Players who come in are guaranteed great support if they’re prepared to fight for the badge. I don’t think there’s ever been a team put out in my 40 odd years in which I am totally nonchalant about half and actually despise the other half! Our protests should now turn to those wage thieves who have now got their 4th manager sacked. He recovery will begin the day the season ends and then we can all start being proud fans again, I’m sure of it.
i posted an article saying exactly this after they sacked Sherwood and who did we get ?
I am afraid its to late now we are down and who ever the new manager is will take time to sort out the club, ( i would be happy with any of the managers in your poll) and once sorted he has to build a team for promotion meanwhile all the rest are getting a lot richer while we are in the championship and a gap will develop between the have’s and have not’s.
i fear it could be 10 years before we get established back in the top half of the premiership again let alone challenging for titles and europe. and thats all without getting rid of lerner, sad days indeed.
I am in the Moyes camp, would have no complaints with Pearson or Rogers. This new board I like their style keep swinging that axe and don’t forget some of the players.
Let’s all hope we are moving in the right direction.
Impossible to get rid of players especially the ones on long contracts they are going nowhere especially as no one else will touch them
You just have to pay them off!
it’s also easy to spend other people’s money or suggest how they should spend it by suggesting to “just pay them off”
you considered putting your hand in your pocket to make a contribution?
I don’t think we’ll have any problems shifting players out that the new manager doesn’t want but I don’t think we’ll recoup the outlay. All of the French players will be off abroad somewhere, no way any of them will fancy the championship. some will be at the end of their contract and I’m sure the likes of lescott and Richards will have their contracts cancelled rather than accept the reduced wage. I imagine that gestede, Westwood, Hutton will be among the few who will be here next season from those close to the first 11.
The likes of Lescott and Richards would want huge pay offs to leave.
Don’t agree oohah. Their contracts will see a massive reduction in wages after relegation and they are both arrogant enough to think that our dire season was nothing to do with them and they can still cut it in the prem. Chance of a big signing on fee from the next unlucky club may see them terminate.
OohAh, Lescott has a year to go and will go to the MLS, either on a free or for a small fee but I think we paid £2m fir him. Richards came on a free and if he goes will, I am sure, command a fee so we won’t lose out.
I would like to think players like Gana, Sanchez and Ayew will stay but SEB is right, players like Clark, Cissokho, Hutton, Gestede and Westwood will be the nucleus of the team.
I hope Gardner comes back and some of the other younger players currently out on loan.
Please, please get rid of Richardson, Bacuna, Shabby and their ilk.
If that’s the nucleus then we’re doomed
Sorry OohAh meant to say squad not team
http://astonvillacentral.com/squad/contracts/
Go for Rogers quick before he goes back to Swansea.
Championship and promotion experience, premiership quality as well. The best all round short and long term appointment.
Agree I think Rogers is the right man
I’m in the rogers camp, hard faced, no bullshit and genuine tactician. He will sort this mess out for sure.
iam in the rogers camp. pearson is my second choice i don’t think rogers will accept the villa job
i feel a vote ……coming along
I highly doubt Rodgers is even being considered and/or is interested in the job, but I agree the club should be looking for a EPL level manager rather than settling. This appointment should be about the longterm future of the club rather than a quick fix.
I suggest you read this as a guide to your votes.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3325890/David-Moyes-speaks-time-Real-Sociedad-sacking-hits-claims-failed-embrace-Spain-knew-place-tour-guide.html
The question is whether Moyes would find the ‘integrity’ and ‘loyalty’ he’s pleading-for from the board at what has clearly been a totally dysfunctional [up to now, at least] senior management set-up at Villa?
At Everton he had the support of Bill Kenwright, who’s proven to be one of the most respected club chairmen in English football – respected by fans and media alike.
I think he’d take some convincing that the new Board at VP would offer the same sort of unconditional backing and working environment before taking on a massive re-building task in the lower divisions.
Agreed Ardent, that’s one reason why, if he took the job, it would be a massive statement in support of the new Chairman, board and working structure.
Out of all the names Moyes seems to be the best out of a bad bunch.
Personally both Villa and Moyes are damaged goods at this point but going forward it is hard to think with his experience he couldn’t steady the squad. At the very least an appointment of Moyes’ caliber would be a sign of intent from the board of their expectations next season.
if we are keeping the dire profession players because we can’t sell or release um. might be a good idea to ask the leaders of the last mutinies their preferences. they don’t want a disciplinarian like pearson, he will most probably chin um out.
See that Neville’s been sacked as well and no don’t put him on the list!
I think Neville will turn out to be a very good manager, The Spanish job was a huge risk that hasn’t worked out. Maybe not the right choice for us at this point though.
Rogers would be my choice, but Pearson would be worth a job as enforcer. He would chin that bunch of useless to$$ers.
The chuckle brothers good manager are u having a laugh!
Lol the thought national league
Maybe in a few years he will.
Maybe pigs really will fly.
Meantime, back in the real world, no way do we need another ex-ManUre player, with no real management experience, being ‘recommended’ to learn his trade at VP, thanks…
[Hopefully the new Board won’t be asking SAF for his ‘recommendations’ again]
They asked Wenger about Garde though shows what a bunch of clowns we have in charge
Lerner actually asked Houllier. Fox might’ve talked to Wenger but I’m gonna go with they went with what Houllier said.
Don’t you all get it Moyes saked, Neville saked, in fact all what your sujesting have been saked for poor results, Pearson was saked for his son’s misdeeds,
He has the CV in the game and not been saked for poor record.
Seems, no argumentation then, he’s my man.
I think he had fired his son before he was sacked himself.
That’s your argument? He hasn’t been sacked for poor results? Southampton in the Championship, Leicester, Hull City, Leicester again. That’s who Pearson’s managed. Moyes got sacked at Sociedad and United, Neville at Valencia. Far, far bigger clubs than Pearson could dream of managing.
Pearson also fell out with Leicester’s board not once but twice. But yes lets forget about that and go with he hasn’t been sacked for poor results, despite managing 3 different Championship clubs and once in the Premier League.
I don’t mind Pearson based on winning the Championship and that run. Not forgetting upto that point Leicester were putting in performances but not getting the points those performances deserved. I read an article that the senior pros insisted on sticking to Pearson’s methods after that run. Ranieri went along with it and the rest as they say is history. Moyes would also be good in my books as his Man Utd career now looks respectable given he spent a fraction of what LVG spent. Everton are also producing players from their academy which he should take some credit for. Despite his failure in Spain he would have learnt something and there’s a cultural barrier too much like Garde faced at Villa.
I just get the feeling that Moyes may’ve reached his peak and is no longer on an upward curve. Pearson is just too volatile, he did very well to get Leicester promoted but don’t forget he also had them struggling at the bottom with 9 games to go, and he won’t be able to get his backroom staff.
Rodgers might be worth a go, but like Moyes may’ve reached his peak.
Warburton is a very interesting shout, very innovative and did a great job at Brentford, now getting valuable big club experience at Rangers.
The guy who ticks all boxes for me is Sean Dyche, got Burnley in the Prem once and is about to do it again, works on a relative shoe string budget, I think he is man enough to sort out the crap and career wise he is on an upward curve.
If at 43, Rodgers has reached his peak I feel incredibly sorry for him. His football is probably too intelligent for half the players but he wouldn’t be afraid to get rid of the crap.
I don’t know how many of you agree but Moyes, Rogers, Dyche and even Pearson (who I personally think is a bit of a loose cannon) are all managers who I would rejoice if announced tomorrow. I am certain that any of them will be up to the job of cleaning out the crap at VP.
However I must admit that I still have a sneaking liking for Gary Rowett. He’s been successful with a team that he’s spent nothing on and knows the Championship inside out. A Villa fan to boot.
Also like to see the noses reaction if we nabbed him 🙂
Anyway good to know that Little is on the case and it’s looking like his say-so will be vital. Onwards and upwards…
…or perhaps downwards and then upwards a little later on :-~
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35931220
Deadly Doug states that ‘he does not regret selling the Premier League club to Randy Lerner and says the American is a “good man” ‘
How nice. Of course he did get £62.6 million from Mr. Lerner. If someone gave me £62.6 million I might think they were pretty good too.
Lol ????
I see the media are already supporting their ‘own’ and pushing Neville for Villa manager!
He’s British but he doesn’t fulfil any other of the (reported) criteria that will be important.
The ‘advice’ the last board needed when appointing a new manager just reinforces the lack of footballing nous they had. Can’t see Bernstein, Little and Bevington needing to speak to anyone about the next appointment!
Completely off topic but great win by England in World T20 semis yesterday.
Somebody mentioned best of a bad bunch and I can agree with that sentiment when it comes to the next manager.
For me it needs to be someone who has massive bravery, leadership and organisation. Personally I would get them in asap to begin looking at the squad characteristics and try to get a win or two before the end of the season to lift the mood even by a small amount (especially of this is done with a couple of the club’s academy players in the team). I do understand, however, that it is a big risk for a manager to come in now and have a relegation to their name…albeit one out of their hands.
I like Pearson’s no nonsense approach…but he is a peculiar, even inflammatory character (read up about his controversies). Brendan Rogers no thanks, because he is not someone who to me installs confidence at the moment. Dyche is a good shout but I doubt he would move with Burnley looking strong for promotion. I see the positives for Gary Rowett, but let’s be honest …not enough experience and clout to sort out the squad and he would divide the Villa fans with the Blues connection. If Steve Mclaren is even considered….well let’s not go there! Gary Neville is an interesting option to me. Disliked him as a player immensely, he lacks experience and many continue to hate him, however I respect his approach to management and leadership in that he is a strong character and takes no prisoners when it comes to getting things his way. I would certainly look past his Valencia sacking because that club have their problems too and going to start your career in a country where you don’t speak the language was always going to be tough.
For me it leaves one (slightly) stand out candidate (if he himself consists himself to be). David Moyes. Some people on here see him as weak in personality, but I don’t think this is fair. During his time at Everton, many Villa fans were begging him to come when we had a managerial vacancy. Since his United stint this has changed dramatically. Why? He was onto a loser in that job; Ferguson could not be followed successfully. In so many areas of business, public sector and football when someone bows out at the top, the team, or company, suffer a setback as there is a power vacuum of sorts or the staff take their foot off the pedal. Looking at van Gaal’s efforts (an experienced and successful European manager) the United job is very tough indeed. I also think Moyes is a man for the long term by looking at what he did for Everton for a decade. He attracts good players, good coaches and pretty good results. In addition he is British which is a pre-requisite for the board it seems. Finally he locked horns with Villa for a few years in the 5th -6th placed battle…he usually won and he saw Villa playing well, getting great crowds and feeling good…he knows what he could get by taking on the challenge, he knows the potential quality of this club.