Villastine

Hopefully the Gerard stories are nothing more than paper talk. Some comments here remind of speculation around us appointing Ole before he went to Cardiff in 2014. The idea that he was a good midfielder so he'll 'sort out' our midfield is nonsense. If that was the case Roy Keane would be a great coach. Gerard has achieved the the bare minimum in Scotland. 1 trophy in 3 years, splurging money while Celtic imploded, is nothing to write home about. He didn't exactly bring through academy players at Rangers in a league where the opposition are tomatoe cans most weeks. He failed in Europe and domestic cup competitions, so knock out competitions don't appear to be his strong point. So why exactly wound Aston Villa be looking to replace Dean Smith with this lad?

Move to other football

Ralf Rangnick would be my choice if he'd take the role.

Where you getting this?

We'll win our next 3 and the bed wetters on here will shut up. Then we'll lose to City and they'll want DS sacked.

Scott Hogan and Gary Gardner score with an assist from Jordan Graham in a win for the sty!

The man utterly failed at Spurs. His brand of football is woeful to watch. Dean Smith is a better manager

We finished 11th last season and sold the best player we have had in a generation. Given the investment, the owners shouldn't be looking for more than the same. Fans expectation is another matter. DS should not be under pressure after 10 games

Not good enough at the back to close a game out. Remember Mings was booked for time wasting when we were 1 up. You could see the players at the back were feeling the pressure.

Watched the game on TV so probably a different perspective. I didn't think we were ever cruising. We were under the cosh before our second which was against the run of play. I'd have changed the formation at 2 up.

As a Villa fan when I go into every game believing we can win then I know we've a very good manager and very good team. But this time I think with these owners, this team and youngsters and Dean himself our ceiling could be higher. I'd love it so much if he can lead us to top 6. I think he can.

That's crazy if true

Ah stop. We've the beating of this lot. I'll take a 2 goal win.

Or maybe we're not weakened.

If the right player cannot be signed we should be looking at a loan or other alternative to bridge the gap. I think we lack a bit of experience and leadership, especially with JT having moved on. I'd see the value in bringing in Thomas Delaney. He's available, not very expensive and in addition to being a very good DM he would bring a level of experience and leadership that would have to be positive.

I think a 3-5-2 could suit us and is likely to be DS go to if we are chasing a goal. It's the best way to play Ings and Watkins in a 2 while making the most of our attacking options. With Hause and Axel we have good options to for the back 3.

Lets put the Brazilian Olympics band back together by signing Bruno Guimaraes

Is he back training yet?

£50 million is silly money for for JWP. When we had the most fouled player in the league, he would have been a huge addition. Without the guarantee of those free kicks, not so much.

Take away his set piece quality and you're left with a slow but hard working sideways passer.

Just had a look on their forum. Let's just say they're not exactly raging about the prospect of his sale. https://www.saintsweb.co.uk/topic/58792-interest-in-jwp/#comments

I've a few colleagues that support Southampton. They don't think he's worth £50 million. Compared it to Everton signing Sigurdsson. Not good

He is not worth £50 million.

He has yet to sign a new contract. I hope we're looking at him. Looks one of those rare talents