AndyGray1985

No present PL-manager is likely to jump ship atm. How about Kenny Jackett?

I can't see the inexperienced route being explored atm. It will probably be someone British and brutal to get a pop at the play-off places.

If that's a fact there should be some serious laying potential while there's still market depth... it defies my instincts, which makes it more scary/interesting...

Most bookmakers set their odds according to the betting patterns of the punters - thus making sure to make a profit. That's why I quote statistical odds - not gambling market odds. Skunks are in general under-priced because like man.utd they have a lot of fans betting with their hearts (or the hole where their hearts were supposed to be) instead of their heads.

The Travelling Strawberries?

Statto odds on promotion either via league placing or play-off now exactly 40/1. It is a monumental task for any manager to overcome the deficit from the first games - especially if the aim is 1st or 2nd. But stranger things have happened - Leicester and all that jazz... I'm pretty clueless about who could do it - my best bet might be the BSA, but he's probably not in contention yet.

More than 4 times as likely, actually. If talking about direct promotion, that is

Statistically it is now more than 4 times as likely to get relegated than getting top 2. Some task for a new manager to face

I fully agree

He has had a very good start and surprised me quite a bit as I saw him on more than a few occations for Villa last season. I think Koeman should be given a bit of credit for his improved performances.

Fox might be a victim of the Peter effect - I would't know. Don't have any real terms to judge Faulkner either - don't know what they where promised or promised them selves when hired. But the thinking of "anyone is better than x" isn't what a club of Villas stature should use as a yard stick, imo,

Yes, I've been privileged to know more information about EFC than is known in the public domain for close to 12 years. What other posters post will never be my worry.

I hope not. He's not incompentent, but puts himself and his interests first. It's a (very well paid) job to him - nothing more. Moyes got loads more passion and pride (and integrity) and loves his job. He will give his best for SAFC - whether that's enough to keep them up is another matter. Steve Round is not missed either - most people feel Alan Irvine complemented Moyes better and covered for some of his shortcomings a lot better. Round is more of an analytical director than a TD

Except for the first point which I can't judge the rest is a carbon copy of what happened at Everton - mostly after he left.

The flawed logic is that because a group of people in your opinion judged someone wrongly they're highly likely to to that again on another person/subject (= they are not credible as judges of these people's skills). Since the first person in your opinion did a good job you tend to think that the same will apply to the second person, whilst he could just as well be much worse, or even better. So Evertonians views on the job Moyes did is not a good indicator of Wyness actual capabilities. Looking at what he did and how he did it would be likely to have a much higher rate of explanation of the relationship between input and output. I'm very thankful for what Moyes did for our club and admire many of his traits. I can't say the same for Wyness and defiantly not about Samuelson (who is no longer a subject from what I understand - that's good news for The Villa). I follow Villa closely and hope you get back in the PL as soon as possible - All the best, /Andy

I understand that - and he is not incompetent. But he is very aware of his appearance and personal motivation. Saying that he's better than "insert name"/Thatcher doesn't really prove his worth (or disprove it, for that matter)

Well that's convenient. How do you know my views on Moyes? The Samuelson topic now locked for debate - I hope you get more from the two than we did, as I genuinely care about Villa. But I know a lot more about the ongoings at EFC than you and the average fan - notwithstanding the evident flaws in your argument.

His Marketing manager was appointed acting CEO when he left very suddenly. In the end he was made CEO because of lack of funds and imagination. His name is Robert Elstone and is affectionately know as suntan bob as he's been attending the school of Tanning rather than the school of planning. He will very likely be disposed of soon now we seem to have a more commercial savvy board and an owner who dares to act on incompetence. Keith Wyness left very abruptly, is the only factual thing I'm allowed to post on here. Some inspiration can be found here: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/no-crisis-everton-over-keith-3482382

KW isn't missed at Everton - and being stuck with his (at first) temporary right hand so far - the joke that is suntan Bob, that says a lot. He's great at spinning the press, though. I've written it before - his online presence/wiki seems to have been written by the man himself.

Will be interesting to see if he does better in the CL than in the Championship.

I thought of this response when I was typing, but thought I'd keep it positive

I think Gil could do well if he gets in a more organised midfield 5 - which is what I'm assuming RdM will bring. If not as a starter then as an impact player - a lot of teams will sit deep at Villa Park this season would be my guess

I think the team is lacking a midfield enforcer and a pair of legs. Barry back with a young DM at his side would bring stability.

I very much agree with you. And even if they stay a few quality additions are needed badly to stay in contention for direct promotion - the depth of the squad is far from sufficient, imo.

He seems to have written his own Wiki page. Very rosy.