It’s a very short one, as I’m up to my nuts in work again.
I very much doubt I’ll get to see the game.
The truth is, I haven’t really kept track with who we’ve signed and who we’ve lost.
But us looking to bin Adomah is a disgrace, in my opinion, especially when he did such a good job for us last year and was voted as the player’s player of the year.
I know many of us think we need to look towards a younger squad, but is this how you should repay your best performers, even if they’re not performing at the moment?
I believe Adomah has plenty to offer, albeit he needs a rest.
Bruce has denied all sorts, but I’ve no doubt it’s true, given his brother’s comments.
Onto the game then and d’you know something?
I really don’t care about the result here.
That sounds mad, I know, but my opinion is that whatever happens, it won’t be season-defining.
Yes a loss will see us move further down the table, but it’s a long game and one that I suspect that will see us in a better position overall, than tomorrow’s league table.
The sad part is that I can’t be bothered to offer much at all to the debate, as all that matters is results.
Our footy is poor and I’m beginning to wonder what on earth Bruce is thinking, given his attacking signings when opposed to his generally negative approach.
I don’t believe it bodes well, but let’s see eh?
You want a prediction?
1-1.
At best, imo.
Im back, has he gone yet? No I’ll have another drink. Badger get from under that tram, you was at work when we had to suffer that shite. Even Nath as gone for a walk.
Bill, have you found an alternative whisky source?
I’m trying to resist emptying the bottle of Rioja on the table in front of me – bit like watching Villa – a sort of self flagellation!
Hitch, its the cheap one , Grants,, it still makes me happy untill in the morning and a sore head. Badgers back from work he’s just heard the score and gone back to work. New Post.
Drink the Rioja Hitch. You will find you are more philosophical after it!
Cheers DS – but I won’t be able to say philisphicol – hic!
Bruce has come out and blamed the players, typical.
Get Dean Smith in.
Or every Delia Smith will do.
That’s funny Bill. Nice to smile after such a dismal performance
I’ve not posted on here for years, but would like to say a few things:
I was delighted when the new owners kept faith with Steve Bruce in the summer. He’d done an excellent job of stabilising our club, and let’s not forget, losing both his parents in the run in last season didn’t seem to rock the Villa boat. For all that, thanks and much respect.
Unfortunately, it has become clear that it’s time to make (the right) change if we are serious about automatic promotion this year. Bruce has made a catalogue of inexplicable errors this season, which will probably mean that we’ll be playing a 4th season in the Championship, including:
1. Both signing and persevering with Nyland. The warning signs were there against Wigan, and compounded against Ipswich, but he’s still there. He didn’t cost much, so just write off that money. Simply not good enough. Losing Johnstone was not Bruce’s fault, but not signing an adequate replacement is. Fraser Forster might’ve been a good bet…
2. In Tommy Elphick, we had a leader who achieved promotion to the Premier League with a much smaller club that us. Surely, Chester and Elphick, two captains with vital experience, would’ve been perfect after Terry’s departure? When he came in last year, he did a good job and was even named man of the match on occasions. This season he started, we won, and he scored a goal. Then he’s out. Even though we’re desperately short of centre backs for a long hard season. Huge mistake, in my opinion.
3. Which brings us to Jedinak. He simply isn’t a centre back. Far too slow and a liability. Everyone can see it. Persevering with him in that position erodes confidence in Bruce’s ability to get us up, both from the fans, and I would think, from the squad. It’s so obvious.
4. I really started to worry when Andre Green was send away to Portsmouth after being our main man in pre-season. Yes, he needs some work but surely that’s what coaches are paid for? A rough diamond gone for another season. Compounding the mistake is the fact that there is now less competition for the wide positions. Having Green, Adomah, Bolasie, and El Ghazi would’ve been perfect strength in depth and competition for places.
5. Which brings us to Albert Adomah. OK, if he’s not a long term solution, fine. But, by alienating the player of last season and a double figures from midfield player, again, I would imagine the squad may be losing some respect for Bruce. Because the message is, what’s the point in doing well, if that’s how you’re later treated. He should’ve been shown more respect and kept as back up with the expectation that he’d win his place back like last season.
5. Conor Hourihane. I know he divides opinion, but you don’t take a double figures from midfield man out of the team because they’re rare. You ask him to repeat the trick and try to beat last season’s tally. Simple.
6. The formation. So much talent in the squad but too many defensive players in the team. Our aim should simply be to win the league, but to do that you have to say to the competition: “we’re better that you so we’re going to attack you and beat you.” And if that means the odd glorious defeat along the way, then so be it.
We could go on, but things aren’t right. Like I said before, much respect to Bruce for the work he’s done, but it’s starting to look like the task is too much.
Incidentally, I chose ‘Big Fat Ron’s Claret Blue Army’ because the football we played under that man should be the model for all Villa managers. We’re so, so far away from that attacking swaggering football now, but it doesn’t have to be that way…