I find it hard work using a phone to browse the internet and even harder to write with, probably because of my ageing eyesight.
I really wish I’d brought my laptop on holiday now.
Never mind, the important thing is that we’ve got our new managerial team in, in Dean Smith as the manager and John Terry as his assistant.
We’ve also hired a new director of football in Jesus Garcia Pitarch, who I know nothing about, yet seems to have a good CV.
At the same time, some interesting things have come out, like the reported £1 million pounds a year contract that Terry is supposed to be on. That’s a big drop and I still wonder why he hasn’t come in as a player too. given our dire defensive situation?
Still, it’s a good sign that he really wants to be at the Villa I guess.
The word is that we’ve paid Brentford £350,000 in compensation.
What I’ve found most interesting though are the club’s comments about Smith, particularly the part that says he has ” a clear and successful coaching philosophy”.
If that’s not a dig at the previous regime, I don’t know what is.
And then there’s Hogan’s comments that he wanted out in the transfer window and Bruce just fed him a line, promising game time that didn’t come.
It would seem from that, that our suspicions were correct and a few players just felt that whatever happened, it was always only the favoured few that were going to play. Hopefully that will change and players get chosen on merit.
John Gregory’s come straight out and said how delighted he is that we’ve got it right this time, in choosing one of our own.
I’m fully behind this appointment, especially as we’ve got Terry in too, who should surely be able to help Smith with the expectation that he’s now going to face.
But typical me these days, I do have concerns that we’ve hired the right bloke at just the wrong time.
I worry about how our defence is going to cost us points until we get more troops in.
Will we generally manage to stay patient if results are poor in the short term?
I think I will and hopefully we all will, after Bruce has left us in such a poor place defensively.
And depending on how quickly we can change our footballing approach, it might not matter so much anyway, if we can start battering teams like we think we ought to.
Which is where my other worries lie.
A lot now comes down to the players starting to look the part. That shouldn’t be a problem though, as I’d expect many of them to be invigorated.
Either way, the pressure’s on already.
Hopefully Dean, you’ll be up to the job and I welcome you with open arms.
Here’s looking forward to some proper footy again.
That Hitch won’t bother me on his past standings. It’s as you say ,playing the game of football as we know it. Bruce was guessing when playing a team, out of position caught him out for me, he was old hat manager to me in upsetting players, punishment was send them out on loan and not looking at his own kids . How many of our players are making good at other clubs, getting rid was a good move from Villa.
Various questions about the Bruce reign remain, but for me, the most significant is the Elphick loan.
I’ve heard Derek, and its hear say, Elphick throws his shirt down after being subbed said some words next day loaned out, only two people can verify that, one sacked the other loaned out. As you said its a strange one that, the team not been together since.
Just listened to first press conference. Dean Smith came over as someone who’s confident without being arrogant and with his feet firmly on the ground.
Purslow was very confident that FFP would not be an issue. It seems he was part of the group that was involved in drafting FFP so he should understand how to work them to our best advantage – he also confirmed all liabilities have been cleared by the owners and we are know financially strong.
All sounds promising – bring it on!
Or even now financially strong!
And just to continue the growing positive sentiment, it’s looking very much like Swansea will be a sellout.
Brilliant support!
Have to say I was very impressed in the way Dean spoke confidently without reverting to tired old cliches and also the apparent plan and structure that Purslow is implementing. For once, it actually appears like we are actually focusing on building a model long term and moving to the sporting director set up is also necessary in the modern game.
It’s a big ask to get promotion now – I think this setup and management team can achieve it but Bruce has ruined our hopes with the lack of defensive options and decent goalkeeper. Such a shame the takeover wasn’t earlier in the summer but at least we’ve got the right people in now to give it our best shot.
Most positive I’ve felt regarding the Villa in a decade. UTV
Saturday will mark the beginning of a new era at our beloved football club. And also the end of one with the passing of Doug Ellis. With the new setup from top down it feels like we are now truly planning for the long term and not looking for a quick fix. In saying that if we can manage to get the rub of the green and the new manager bounce and string a few wins together it could look a whole lot more promising coming into the Christmas period. Either way we have to keep our eyes on the prize which for me is a brand of football that excites us and if its good enough to take us up this season so be it. If not we build on those foundations and go for it again next season. I have come to except that premier league football is not all its cracked up to be. I haven’t watched Match of the Day since we where relegated. I support the villa, not a league. UTV!!!
Letting you know, England and Scotland on BBC Red button ,Abraham, Adomah both in team .
Just thinking about January – Purslow has said funds will be available maybe because Smith has already indicated he wants to move on some of the ‘fringe’ players. If that’s the case, who do you think might not have a future in Smith’s plans?
One would think his preference would be for ball players so Jedinak might struggle to fit into his plans. We have too many wingers so Adomah might be another but who else?
Will Thor and Lansbury get more of a consistent opportunity?
Angela Lansbury?
‘Thor’ must be first choice and regular holding midfielder. With our paper thin defence, at least one defensive mid is imperative, otherwise we’ll be cut to ribbons. Against more powerful offensive teams, particularly away from home, I’d be inclined to double up with Jedi or Whelan to give Chester and Axel maximum protection. Our goalkeepers are so poor, we must limit opposition shots on goal to an absolute minimum.
Meanwhile, give everyone else licence to rampage and destroy opponents with the pace, skill, and finishing power we have in the squad. The best form of defence is attack, especially if you’re defence is, well, shit.