I can’t believe I’m saying this, but it seems to me that Jack Grealish’s move away from the Villa is beginning to look inevitable.
I’m looking at this from a fan’s, owner’s and indeed the player’s point of view, so let’s break it down.
The owners, even though they’re minted, still have to make the books look better come the winter.
I’ve previously stated that we should wait and maybe sell Grealish then, as it could work in our favour.
But there’s also the case that we could end up in a weaker position, if we’re struggling in the league.
So, selling Grealish might make sense if you’re being pragmatic and want to bring players in, in this window.
There’s still the backlash that they’d face from us fans, but would re-signing Snodgrass on loan compensate partly?
It might for some, but it wouldn’t for me, as much as I eventually liked Snoddy.
As for us fans, I’m sure we’d all be gutted if Jack left us now.
While I’ve seen some say that Grealish really ought to be playing for a Champions league side, do we really think that he’d walk into the Spurs first eleven?
How about Chelsea who supposedly are now interested? Would he walk in there?
I very much doubt it, myself.
My opinion says yes, he will be entitled to have a go in a top side.
But he isn’t yet proven enough at the top level and should go just another season with us, where he’ll be a better all round player.
Whatever you think of Bruce, there’s no doubt the lad came on leaps and bounds last season.
Think how he could continue to improve and how it might further his value.
Of course, there’s the risk that he might get seriously crocked in the Championship.
But better, more cynical Prem defenders leave him open to that risk too.
But I suppose he’d have the fat contract in the bag, if he does leave.
Which is what it’s all about, at the end of the day.
No doubt Jack’s advisors (his dad and brother?) have his interests at heart, while still being Villa fans.
Look, if someone said to you “work here at x amount for the next 4 years, or work here at twice the money for the next 4 years”, what would you do?
At my (bordering old age), I’d take double the money, even if the job was utter rubbish.
And I’m the loyal type.
While we’re talking massive numbers for top footballers, I still believe the same sort of thing applies.
As a footballer, you can get a career-threatening injury at a stroke.
So do you take £4 million over four years, or £8-12 million?
It’s a no-brainer.
I firmly believe Jack would have our blessing if he gave it another half a season and then decided to leave.
But as a Villa fan, I believe he should stay, to see how it goes.
Just for that 6 months.
After all, he’s still only 22 and there’s plenty of time.
But my guess is that his head has indeed been turned already.
I’ve no doubt there’s stuff going on in the background and I’d bet there’s a low-ball offer on the plate already, which the club have probably laughed off.
And said “let’s get serious”.
The part that concerns me, is that Jack hasn’t commented.
Of course, he can’t really be seen to be saying anything, but the lack of “we’re up for it” type comments tells me this is truly up in the air.
Jack, you’re one of us mate.
Give it just another 6 months.
Please.
Addendum;
How would we feel about a buy and loan back, for a season?
I’d suggest there’s legs in that.
Squad is up:
Steer, Hutton, Chester, Elphick, Taylor, Elmohamady, Whelan, Hourihane, Adomah, Grealish, Kodjia
Sub: Bunn, Bree, Gardner, Lansbury, Bjarnason, Green, Hepburn-Murphy
I hope I am proved wrong and these words are rammed down my throat, the team selection today is uninspiring.
If 4 at the back why Taylor. Play Hutton at left back and Elmohamady at right back. This would allow Green to play. Which shows attacking intent.
If 3 at back again – why is Taylor in the team, with above swaps occurring.
This strikes me as a team who do not want to lose. Not necessarily a team who want to win.
Yet Hull are in turmoil and we set up defensively. Steve Bruce, your days are numbered. A leopard cannot lose its spots and you are too cautious.
I agree. After last season when we started poorly we need now to get off to a flyer. The starting line up is cautious beyond belief. 5 defenders and Whelan who has the mobility of a tortoise. Really disappointed with this.
Sid, I have to agree. It seems a very cautious approach although he does, at least, have attacking options on the bench.
4-4-2 with Elmohamady playing right of midfield and Adomah playing upfront with Kodjia?
We look awful
Absolutely pathetic. No surprise with starting line up. Bruce might as well pack his suitcase
1 down.
What rubbish defending after Steer had done the hard part 🙁
Sorry Badger, but that was a shockimg punch by Steer. It dropped invitingly on the edge of
the area.why aren’t Green and De Laet playing?
Hitch we are .
His formation has blown up in his face. A do not lose mentality. Will he wait an eternity to change things I wonder
told you all , no youngsters, old failures defending when are we going to start wearing the heart on the sleeve.
Goal
Yes, Elphick.
1 each!
Thank heaven for terrible Hull defending
Header Elfik, ok Tommy.
We look dodgy at the back. Chester has switched sides to accommodate Elphick
Kodja greedy git
Beat me to it Holte, he’s shit in that forward line.
Is it me or does Kodja look unhappy as if he wished he was somewhere else
He needs a goal.
That’s the way it looks to me, he has no wanting in his legs.
I’m,tracking him now watch him make 1/2 efforts to tackle any ball he is a waste of space. Kodjia your clueless.
We might as well be playing with 10 men Bill. He is a luxury player.
Awful first half performance. Bruce said before kick off that he played too many 30 somethings and then picks a team with too many 30 somethings. You couldn’t make it up. I am losing patience with Bruce. The excuse that we are six players down on last season and having to start all over again won’t wash with the new owners.
Chester looks very unsure which is unlike him. Defence needs to tighten up and Kodjia needs to make better decisions. He could have put Elmohamady in but was too greedy.
We got better after they scored but not really convincing.
Hitch, you are being generous. Only way we will score is through a set piece. We are clueless going forward. Back and sideways passing is dreadful to watch. We should be taking them to the cleaners but we are showing them respect which they don’t warrant.
Predictable Bruce