I think it’s only fair that I make my position regarding Roberto Di Matteo totally clear.
That way, there’s no ambiguity and while I believe I tend to be pretty straight-forward in my views and they normally conform, so I do sometimes go against the flow.
So what to think?
Well, the truth is, I have serious doubts about him, even more so after reading that he lost the players at Schalke;
Ok, the article goes on to say that the decision wasn’t his.
But my worry is that we have what seems a very similar problem down the Villa, with the likes of Gabby, Lescott and Richards calling the shots. A situation that quite simply can’t be allowed to continue.
Unless.
Is RDM strong enough to walk in and hoof the trouble-makers?
I’m not convinced he is in the slightest, although hopefully, it’s exactly why he wants Clark in; to seize these players by the proverbial throat and find out what they’re really thinking.
But is it really an impossibility to think that the older players just might have it right, in saying that the younger players don’t have the right way of looking at things?
On the face of it, that’s just preposterous, if we look at the seasoned player’s performances over the season.
But maybe we might need to consider that they feel they’ve been banging their heads against a brick wall?
Before you shoot me down, I’ve been in this position, where you feel you’re wasting your time.
And while it’s no excuse whatsoever in not doing your best, I’d suggest it’s easy to get dragged down to a lower level.
I seriously wonder if that is what might have gone on over the last however long?
Whatever, while I suspect that will be a not very popular view, I’m throwing it out for discussion.
All that said, as I’ve said before, I’m very willing to give the new team a fair go.
I can see the possibilities, if things go to plan.
Hence we need to get behind the team, especially if we get the goal scorer, the goalie, a CB and a decent midfielder that we need.
Blimey, that’s the whole spine of a team, isn’t it?
Hmm.
And then there’s talk of Amavi going to Liverpool for £11 mill, although I’ve seen reference that says it’s total rubbish.
Would I sell him?
Would I proverbial!
While I accept that some of our better players will probably leave, so I believe we should retain them if we’re going to show any serious signs of ambition.
We really need to do our best to keep Amavi, Ayew, Grealish and maybe Traore (if the supposed doubling of wages isn’t true).
If we let these players go, it will show us what the new ownership/management is all about.
And no, sell them to re-invest simply doesn’t cut it for me. These are players who could light up the league and give us something to cheer about.
God, how have we missed those times?
We’re either going balls out to get straight back up or we aren’t.
I’m hoping we’re going for it and any “transition” talk is just that.
Italian goalkeeping and fitness coaches – this could be interesting!
Yes just had a look at the Italian fitness coaches last job –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wX4SDd4Ym4I
Bloody hell!
Heard a rumour that Shabby’s just turned up at VP begging for his P45 today…
No, he was seeing if the canteen was open !
Superb Pat!
No argument now we have Clarke and Bond, one to go, the owner, soon maybe? Looking good for a change.
looking good 🙂 the backroom staff in place / players are being talked about for possible signings. feeling optimistic about the coming season. if we can ditch the dead weights and recruit some solid professionals. no reason why we cant get promotion. thou newcastle and norwich were better than us last season. we still beat norwich and drew both games with toons and that was with our worst ever squad of players and zero esteem, the upcoming season will be a totally different ball game. villa fans will be fully behind the team and this will be enough to win the league
Can’t complain about the backroom team: solid Championship experience; these guys have been around and served their apprenticeships in the right sort of places. Doesn’t seem as if anyone’s taking chances on a bit of experimentation from Day1.
However ‘nice’ [or ‘soft’-] people have accused RDM of being, Clarke and Bond don’t look like a pair who’ll let anyone get too big for their boots. Let’s hope there’s a major culture-shock coming soon for whoever’s still there out of last season’s squad!
No doom & gloomers on here yet????surely they ain’t seen the light at last???Utv
Well, OohAh doesn’t seem to be quite himself these days…
Oh, go on then I’ll do the doom and gloom bit in the absence of Oohah. I have not heard that Riley has been tin-tacked yet. Where is he? At the Euros with a telescope looking for talent, or in our dressing room with a microscope on the same errand?
Problem is OLL he’s looking down the wrong end of the telescope!
Don’t want to see any Director coming in and being able to interfere or be responsible for transfers – should be left entirely to DM and his team with the Board approving (or otherwise) where appropriate. DM should be trusted to take responsibility for spending his transfer budget.
There’s only one negative ooh ah and that’s me 🙂
We’ll piss over everybody in the championship….bring it on!
We WILL be promoted at the first attempt….no wucking flurries!
gabbys first question on return to training will be if he can still be on flexi leave.
Not being of a business mind just been reading an article in the brum mail saying the take over moves a step closer with something showing on company house.they say completion should take place later this month,does this mean we can’t do any business until then or its business as usual???? Hope it’s the latter
The existing company can still ‘do business’: the sticky bit is committing funds to pay for any major expenditure; presumably both old/new owners have to persuade the bank that funds will be in place [one way or another] to allow the bank to sign-off any new business in the short term.
Off topic but what about Jon Walters as a transfer target. Heard him mentioned on the radio last night during a feature on the euros. Thought he would be brilliant for us. Strong, eye for goal, good hold up play and great work ethic. At 32 he doesn’t get so much pitch time at Stoke but could do a good job.
If he could bring his mate shawcrosss along aswell Ooha would be like a pig in muck.oh happy days
Not a bad shout DS
dont think the transfer window is open yet. on whether riley stays or goes some of our better performers were scouted by him he had no input on lescott, richards, guzan, gabby richardson, bacuna,cissoko,sanchez
According to the E&S Patrick Bamford is on RDM’s list.
At around £10 million I think he would be an excellent buy as he’s only 22 and already a proven goalscorer in the Championship.
If they could get him I think it will be proof of a much more positive outlook for our great club.
Bamford would be a good choice at Championship level but not at 10mil IMO. We have to plan for a return to the PL 2017/18 and Bamford has been found wanting in the PL up to now. May be worth a punt at 6mil or thereabouts and given another chance in the PL.
Agree with Langford. He looks talented but a bit lightweight from what I’ve seen. £10m is too steep.
Think we should look for an experienced leader in the midfield on perhaps a short term contract 12/18 months maybe.
With both Man Utd and Everton both having new managers how about Going for Barry or Carrick? I dont see either Mourinho or Koeman giving them much playing time next season……just a thought!
I think the transfer window opens this Thursday.
Agreed Langford but hasn’t it been reported they have both been offered extended contracts and I’m pretty sure Barry has said he’s going nowhere; I am hoping that DM with his contacts will pull of a coup or two in finding experienced quality players for midfield and defence.
On a related point we really do need to utilise the loan system to its maximum effect – something we’ve failed to do (with one or two exceptions) in the past. I’ve read that DM favours a loan move for Bamford which would be a good deal if he can pull it off.
Would like Barry to come back as captain for a season or so, but can’t see it happening unless Everton tell him that their new manager isn’t going to play him, and RDM can make a persuasive case to him for dropping down a division…
Totally agree Ardent. I am not convinced that he will get much playing time next season under a new regime at Everton….would be a great move if we could get him.
Yes Bamford on loan would make sense. Didnt know that about Barry/Carrick. Cant think of too many others who could play ‘a leadership role’ for us who might be available….but we could certainly do with one!……perhaps Petrov if he can get sufficiently fit!
Langford – I think Petrov (if DM is convinced of his fitness) as club captain would be a brilliant move bringing real respect and heart to the team and the club. Wouldn’t expect him to play 90 minutes of every game but his presence would do wonders for morale of the fans and hopefully show the players how important it id to give your all for the shirt.
H60….fully agree. Players should be inspired by Stan. Its amazing to see what he has come back from. All young players should take note! And you can rest assured that it isnt about money…..so refreshing in this day and age!
this could be a very exciting transfer window, names we are already linked too shows we mean business, watch out championship………. we are in it, to win it and we are off, back to premiership.
Cant see Gabby,Richards,lescott being around heard on the grapevine Di Matteo has the go ahead to release any player he wants to and replace him could be exiting.utv
Delighted to see us linked with Dwight Gayle tonight – top class finisher.
i think gayle is less of a risk than bamford, also if the 10 million is the fee chelsea want, then i would go for gayle you should pick him up for under 4m and hes a better finisher again in my opinion.
Got to agree….Gayle is a much better option than Bamford IMO.
Get them both! Ayew, gestede, Bamford and Gayle:)
And don’t forget Gabby! The man with more cautions than goals!!!
Gayle and Bamford could be very good.
Got to wonder why we’re getting linked with better players now we’re in the Championship than when we were in the Premiership?!?
I think we are no better than last year and again lack of investment
Agree this guy is as bad if not worse than Lerner. At least Lerner spend loads of cash to get us into top 4 but unfortunately mon pissec it up the wall