M_Afro

Can somebody tell Steve that half of our games take place away from home! There for the taking but the intent was never there. He will be delighted with a draw against Bristol City. Yep that's Bristol City! Baker looked like Paulo Maldini against our powder puff efforts. Garbage. Adious mi patata 

2 hours ago, AntrimBlack said:

I don't think he should be. He is young, and we should probably save him for the League games. The cup is unimportant compared to promotion.

I agree that the cup is not important but it will be another chance for him to get game time and hopefully build confidence. We must not build him up as the new saviour. Let's enjoy a fantastic performance but not build pressure. One game at a time and all that. Having said that, he did play very well today!

Really good today. Exactly the type of forward we need to bring the best out of our midfield. Not sure we will be able to rely on him every week just yet but on today's performance he should be in again on Tuesday. Loved watching him bully their centre half. Showed some really good awareness too. Very hopeful for the future. Well done son.

54 minutes ago, USA_Villa said:

So the thought process here is to add more fuel to the fire that is already out of control. Let's just keep adding players until we find a mix that looks like it might work. when is he going to integrate the youth instead of buying has beens?

What re you seein

My theory only works if we buy/loan the correct players. I think the guy on loan from Southampton is the kind of player we need and also the guy we have been linked to from Liverpool. We have to hope that the football board can ensure that we only complete suitable deals. I think we have a decent squad at the moment but we lack in certain key areas. This will be true no matter who the manager is. I know it's hard but we must hope that the board have the situation under control. I honestly believe that the summer signings have been ok but they need variety to bring the best out of them.

Football is an emotional game. We have all suffered over the past 5 years. I really believe that we need to be strong here in order to turn things around. Rational thought/action is required not emotional reaction (easier said than done I know). Let's hope for a win tomorrow and then we can all enjoy a post match beer that little bit more. Utv 

I think we need to stick with Bruce for now. Let me clarify my position before continuing. I did not want him as our manager. Nothing has happened in the past 10 months to alter my opinion. I do though want us to get promoted this season. I think we must stick with Bruce short term in order to make this happen.

Our main problem is scoring goals / creating chances. In order to do this you need either speedy, skilled footballers who can run from deep with the ball, a target man who can retain possession long enough for support to arrive or a team with the ability to retain possession through passing and movement (ideally a mix of all three). We do not currently have any of these and therefore any manager would struggle. If we sack Bruce now it will make it very difficult to address this before the end of August meaning any new manager will be restricted from the start.

If we can sign a target man and at least one skillful attacking midfielder then it has the potential to transform our team. Suddenly we would have balance, be an attacking threat and also have greater options for tactics and formations. It is more likely that we can get these players if we have a perceived stability. Sack Bruce now and no player would join until the replacement had been appointed. 

Therefore it is essential that we win tomorrow and also on Friday. I don't care how those wins occur but we should all be hoping that they do. Things would look so much better if we signed those two players and got those two wins (which are achievable). If Bruce does not improve matters after that, then we can get rid and replace him with somebody who will at least have a capable balanced squad to inherit.

We do need to make signings now, regardless of who the manager is. This is where we have to rely on the football board to ensure that the incoming players are beneficial to the club regardless of who the manager is. 

That said we definitely should not sign any more central midfield players. We need some attacking midfield players, who can attack with pace and guile. We also need a number 9 who can play with his back to goal and bring the others into play. Sign these 2/3 players and we are set for the season if Bruce stays or goes.

No matter what happens we must win our next two league games. We need to get together and support the team.

Just now, DCJonah said:

Runs at defenders but nothing comes from it. 

Just shouldn't be starting regular for us at the moment. 

Desperate for a winger. 

This. He is just not ready. We need pace and skill on the flanks. 

I can accept losing. I cannot accept not trying to win. When did Reading become so feared?! I like Steve. Nice man but we must take action now unfortunately. All is not lost if we are decisive now. Clock is ticking very quickly now though. 

Villa fan based in East Mids. Love the club. Hate the predicament. Loads of opinions to share. Listen without prejudice people