The following has been written by “Big Fat Ron”. Thanks, BFR.
The Jack Grealish conundrum; why Jack would do well to imitate John, not James
So the dust settles on another International break and what have we learned?
Racism is, indeed, alive and well in football, as if we didn’t know.
Tyrone Mings is, indeed, an England international defender, just as we suspected.
John McGinn is, indeed, a special talent, as everyone now knows.
Jack Grealish has a new “friend.” Who cares?
And James Maddison enjoys a night out in a casino. Who knew? None other than the England manager. Apparently, he knows “everything” about his players. Interesting…
When Mings was selected, there were many moans among non-Villans that he wasn’t good enough and that there were others who should be ahead of him. There was even a suggestion that Southgate picked him to do Villa a favour and raise the club’s profile. Tosh.
Southgate picked him for his ability and also specified that he likes his “leadership qualities”. But what does that have to do with our skipper?
Let’s start with Maddison, clearly ahead of Jack in the international pecking order. There has been a clamour for him to start in the England team. Yet Mason Mount, a relative rookie, gets in first. The press has constantly pushed Southgate on why he hasn’t given Maddison a game. After the casino incident, I suspect that the England boss doesn’t just pick ability; he picks leaders, team-players, and most importantly, good characters.
Now, I’m not saying that Maddison is a bad person because he visits the casino. I’ll tell you what I do know, though. I recall him getting Ainsley Maitland-Niles sent off, with the Arsenal youngster seen on TV mouthing “that’s poor, Madds” before trudging off for his early bath. Then I can’t shake the feeling that Mr Maddison is quite focussed on his image. Dare I say all style, little substance? He reminds me of a certain David Bentley, who was supposed to be the next David Beckham, but disappeared into obscurity, not long after hitting the big-time.
And that’s where Jack comes in. I’m sorry to say that our talisman is in danger of falling into the same trap. He has a role-model next to him, the young Scot by the name of John. But while his sidekick was scoring a hat trick for his country this week, Jack was in the news for different reasons, having appeared on social media with Jess Lingard’s ex, a very attractive young model, whose name I don’t care to remember.
Like James, Jack is very keen to pluck, slick, and bleach, unlike John. When I’m sure we, and Southgate, would prefer him to pull his socks up, shave his head, and let below the shins do the talking, rather than above the neck. More substance, less style. Less vanity, and more of the humility that Southgate was championing last summer…
Yes, Jack has come a long way, but I hope he soon realises that John is the man to follow, not James. Time will tell.
BFR and Badger
What a fantastic position to be in! I believe the sum of team is greater than the parts and will only grow. The likes of Grealish, McGinn and Mings have the potential to be long term heroes. And yes, it is great that pundits and currently higher placed clubs cast an envious look at our players.
Last time Villa had real quality players the piranhas descended on us. Learner decided the time had come to cash in on his investment. Barry to Man City, Young to Manure, Milner to Man City and Downing to Liverpool.
Today, we are in my opinion, still at the start of a new era, please excuse the analogy, a Phoenix from the ashes. Credit must go to our owners. I read another £40+m investment into share capital taking their investment to approximately £250m and none of it loan capital.
The appointment of a Villa fan as manager who believes in attacking football. This truly reflects the spirit of the club we love.
A captain who is a Villa fan. With the manager these two are the glue to hold the club together. These are individuals who believe in and love the club, not here today off for the cash tomorrow players. Their values will mean new players into the club will have a greater affiliation.
Villa now buy up and coming players not clapped out last big pay check ones.
Now add in 28,000 season ticket holders; 7000 fans in waiting list for season ticket, average crowd 41000+, redevelopment of the area behind North Stand – hotel and museum. Likelihood for stadium to increase to 50000.
What a time to be a Villa fan! In fact I don’t know about you, but our Vila have lifted our spirits.
UTV
Can we win the league, Sid? That is the question. Obviously not this season. But with this regime – owners, Purslow, Smith, Grealish and an improving squad, who believes we can do it?
BFR – why not!
Leicester showed what is possible. And before them, oh, it was us under Ron Saunders.
Football has always had a cycle. Prior to Premier League and Liverpool’s dominance late 70’s to early 90’s ( combination of good management and financial backing of Littlwoods via Moore’s family). It appears the Premiers initial king pins are descending Man Utd and Arsenal. Chelsea’s position is linked to UK / Russia relations. Spurs team has reached its cycle end and in short term no great amounts of money to reinvest, as spent on stadium ( the Arsenal model). I am hoping Pep will bow out at the top based on his track record. And Liverpool, well things can change.
So to answer the question. A combination of astute signings and continued owner backing it is possible.
My thoughts exactly, Sid. I hope the owners, CEO, manager, and players have the same mindset. Put it this way, Smith says he plays every game to win, which he does. So quite simply, win enough games and you win the league. It’s the psychology part that needs to be worked on. I.e. Aston Villa should be challenging for the league. I can win the league here. It’s not OK to be also-rans. Just because the neutrals and media don’t expect Aston Villa to win it, doesn’t make it so.
These are two awful words, but in a way, I think somewhere along the line, champions need indoctrinating and brainwashing in some ways. I don’t think Pep gets the results he does by having a laissez-faire attitude, do you?