cyrusr

I I agree with @TRO. It's clear from Xia's tweet that he feels that Bruce has been given the money, the players and the time to get promotion. He is expecting to pull back up the table by the end of September and with the games we have got that is not unreasonable at all. Whilst it has been a poor start, I still think that Bruce will grind his way to promotion but it won't be a breeze... The problem with Bruce is that what he has shown over the last 11 months is that if he does get us promoted, I have no confidence that he will push us any further. That's where Clotet may fit in. Xia ain't daft, I am sure he is seeing that Bruce has his limitations and will need replacing. He maybe simply keeping an eye on him to see how he does/interacts/watch for the next or so. Depending how he does with Oxford, he really could be a real promise for the future. There are massive assumptions in there and it could lead to nothing. What is clear that Bruce will need to be replaced if we want to be at the right end of the premier league.

Nor were we... To be fair it is only 1 change to Saturdays line up and that involves Hutton out! If this goes bad it's because of formation and pressure will be back on Bruce... Who knows, of it starts badly he might change formation back....

If Rafa does decide to leave Newcastle he will be heading to the upper echelons of the top European Leagues. He only stayed at Newcastle because of "the fans" or rather the fact that he would have a big budget and wage. It was a massive coup for Newcastle to keep him after the relegation, lets not forget that. He will not be heading back to the Championship anytime soon even if we could offer him the world (which would be unlikely). The reality is that we are not an attractive option and if we fire managers every season who would want to manage us? Whilst Bruce is doing everything he can to annoy the fans and we are (rightly) getting annoyed with the football, given the alternatives, we are almost sadly better off with Bruce. Jokanovic or Stam would probably be more interesting but would they really jump ship to manage us so early on in the season? Unlikely - Jokanovic maybe given the rumoured difficulties at Fulham but if Bruce was put in that list, would you really rather Peason, Warnock, Moyes?! I would rather @lapal_fan as manager over Moyes! (I can't believe I thought he was the best option 12 months ago...). Bruce this season is currently on 2 1/2 games being diabolically awful, 1 1/2 games actually good (I am not counting Colchester - that pitch was barely playable and for the Hull game, I think I am being generous giving Bruce the full half being good). Norwich has given him some breathing space but it won't be long as whether this thread remains a live one.

Dr Xia has spoken on the rumour as rubbish: https://twitter.com/Dr_TonyXia/status/899359412980142080 Would have been bonkers to sell him, even before yesterday's performance!

I want us to try this new tactic called "passing to a player on the same team"...

Was more thinking out loud - I am still confused as to what his role is?

Given the nature of international football and the fact that these guys have limited options to make the best team, maybe not bad shouts either of them? Indeed - could be lured surely. Get us up and you get to pick the players we sign. Stepping on the toes of Round though surely? That list though, is one of the most depressing things I have ever read...

I have now had a chance to watch the "highlights" of the match and listened to Bruce's post match interview. That was a woeful performance and seriously worrying and sadly it is the same problems have continued from last season and 2nd half of Hull. However, if anybody thinks that Bruce is walking or given some time to turn it around after that interview would be sadly mistaken. I took his comments as "that was the worst performance and they need to do better" rather than he doesn't think he can do it. If you put it in context of when it was said then I don't think he truly meant it as an admission that it was beyond him. Indeed, later on in the interview he states if carries on for next 10 matches then he's in trouble. He is in the mindset that he needs to sort it or he's out, rather than he is about to be out of the door. Sure, I am still trying to figure out his "tactics" but I am just utterly bewildered as to how this same person got a team (arguably weaker) promoted only 2 seasons ago?! We are just completely inept without Kodjia at the moment and I am still at a loss as to why. Whilst Bruce is the obvious answer, to be fair to him, these problems have been a part of Villa for a long time. He hasn't helped, don't get me wrong, but are we certain he is the problem? I, along with many, many others, thought he was the best option for us last year. It is looking more likely that he will be added to the long list of failed managers. And yes, the pressure will increase exponentially if we lose tomorrow and lose in the same manner we did at the weekend. I just hope they don't play Bacuna tomorrow because I know exactly what will happen... However, whilst people can have their misgivings of Bruce, to suggest that the best thing would be to lose to Reading are really cutting their nose off to spite their face. Whilst you can be anti-Bruce, remember that it's a nice feeling when Villa actually win (it's been a while I know!).

I thought we assimilated him....

Good luck and hope he does well. One would have wanted to keep, but Taylor is nailing down the LB spot anyway, who will cover if he's injured/suspended? Bjarnasson?! The Board might need to have a look at the transfer market for this...

Am I right in thinking that only Steer is the only signing of Lambert's that remain?! Now we just have to get rid of the Sherwood deadwood...

Agree. Whilst he was definitely poor on Saturday and has not had many good games, like Hutton he does try. I thought there was something there to begin with, however, as it always seems to be at the moment, Villa grinds down the players. However, to make it perfectly clear, really pleased to see him go. One of the last reminders of a bad era for the club. My hope is that we are not selling to a "direct rival" championship club. If we do, he will suddenly remember that he is playing football and can pass to the person in the same kit... Any more rumours of which club it is or do we think it is still Reading?

Richards not even on the bench! Team not too bad either generally, however I have no clue how we are lining up?!

*Music Snob Alert* Actually that's Ozzy's solo work, not Black Sabbath that they play in the pre match playlist... We did end up with Sabbath for a little while when the fans chose the songs - think A LOT of Villa fans like the connection, however when it was playing it just sounded weak IMO and sounded a bit flat. Need to sort out the mixing if they go down that route. Saturday just kind of went flat and was just plain odd. Hopefully they can sort it. Not the most important part of things, but helps gets the fans more into it.

Squad Numbers at the moment (or what I can make of it anyway): - 1. Free 2. Free 3. Taylor 4. Richards (Potentially Free) 5. Lansbury (wants to take 10 though???) 6. Elphick (Potentially Free) 7. Bacuna 8. Free 9. Hogan 10. Free 11. Agbonlahor 12. Chester 13. Steer 14. Hourihane 15. Free 16. Bree 17. Free 18. Free 19. Green 20. Bjarnasson 21. Hutton 22. Gardner (potentially free) 23. Amavi 24. Free 25. Jedinak 26. Kodjia (Terry to take) 27. De Laet 28. Cissokho 29. Hepburn-Murphy 30. Free 31. Bunn 32. Free 33. Free 34. Free 35. Blackett-Taylor 36. Free 37. Adomah 38. Lyden 39. Davis 40. Grealish 41. Free 42. Free 43. Free 44. McCormack (Potentially Free) 45. Free 46. Toner To place: Kodjia; Samba; Elmohady; Whelan; Johnstone At a guess I would say: 1. Johnstone 2. Bree/De Laet/Hutton – whoever is Bruce’s first choice RB 4. Chester/Samba 6. Whelan 8. Hourihane/Bjarnasson 10. Lansbury/Kodjia The rest I have not got a clue…

I am not sure that it as bad a transfer as everyone is making out. Yes we paid £5 million for him, however it was mainly on potential. Potential is always a gamble. How many bigger signings have we made "on potential" that have failed miserably? Look at other clubs, there are plenty of examples where money has been wholly wasted. In the big picture, it is not that significant a loss. Perhaps we paid a little much, but on what transfer last summer didn't we do that?! It didn't work last season. Not too sure how well he did at Forest (I'll assume not great) but he now has a season on loan at a club where he is likely to get regular football. We are over populated in midfield no question of it, and anyone outside of Hourihane, Lansbury, Whelan, Bjarnasson and Jedinak is likely to be considered to leave this summer. To me, its a win win. If he makes the grade, great, we have a player who has increased in value or perhaps even better developed into someone we can use. If not, well we are not wasting squad space/money on wages. Would rather youngsters go out on loan and develop rather than potentially get 1 or 2 games a year. Hope he gets lots of game time and does well for them

Might have been able to do something, but pleased sold and for a decent(ish) amount as well. I like the mention of add ones as well. The Midfield is currently way over crowded and clearly doesn't want to be here. So bye bye!

Cromwell says hi

According to Hertha's twitter we still won 2-0....

Delighted to see him fit again! Such a bad time with injuries. Hopefully can push Johnstone for no1 shirt/keep him out of it!

So think with Samba now done we are looking likely for no more in and maybe time to take stock of the squad at the moment. So as it stands we have: In: Terry, Johnstone, Elmohamady, Whelan, Samba Out: Kozak, Sanchez, Gil. That leaves the squad as follows (with players in brackets this is not their natural position but can provide cover if necessary, question mark where I am not sure): Goalkeepers Johnstone, Steer, Bunn, Sarkic Right Backs Hutton, De Laet, Bree, (Elmohamady), (Bacuna), (Richards) Left Backs Taylor, Amavi, Cissokho (De Laet) Centre Backs Chester, Terry, Baker, Samba, (Jedinak) (De Laet), Elphick, Richards Right Midfield/Winger Adomah, Elmohamady, (Green), (Bacuna), (Kodjia), (Bjarnasson?), (Hogan), (Lansbury?), (Grealish?) Left Midfield/Winger Green, Grealish,(Bjarnasson), (Kodjia), (Hogan), (Hourihane), (Adomah?), (Elmohamady?) Centre Midfield Hourihane, Lansbury, Jedinak, Whelan, Bjarnason, Tishbola, Veretout, Gardner, Bacuna, Lyden, (Grealish) Attackers Kodjia, Hogan,McCormack, Agbonlahor, Davis, Hepburn-Murphy I think we have more or less done our business coming in, unless someone goes who is "first teamer". If we assume there should be at least 2 players for every position (and avoid more if possible) can suggest we are likely looking at going out: 1 GK, 1 RB, 2 CBs, 1 LB, 4/5 CMs. I think he will struggle to get 5 CMs out and also think sometimes he might want 3 in the middle. I don't think an attacker is going though, we have 2 youngsters and not sure how much will be given to them. Given how badly we got struck with injuries last season, don't think the risk will be taken, unless a decent offer comes in for McCormack or in particular Gabby. IMO (obviously) think we are looking at leaving or trying to get to leave: Steer, Hutton, Elphick, Richards, Cissokho, Veretout, Gardner and 1 or 2 of Lyden, Bacuna, Tishbola. We certainly need to clear the decks now, hopefully it will happen sooner rather than later...! I think we are definitely set defensively, though would have preferred someone else to Johnstone. Amavi may still go which might mean someone else coming in or De Laet being used as full time back up to Taylor (think Cissokho is gone regardless). It's the attack which I am slightly worried about quality wise. On paper, looks cracking, just some didn't perform last season as we would have hoped (McCormack, Hogan, Grealish). New season, new hope! So for those TL:DR: I think we still have 8 out, mainly central midfielders and centre backs, unlikely anymore in, defensively we look good, just hope the attack can perform better than last season!

Relatively happy with this. 1 year deal, clearly back up, more than capable. Hopefully means Richards is nearing the exit door (and elphick but don't have ill will against him, it just hasn't worked). Welcome

Indeed, so much so they are making a further cameo this season (and allegedly you could see them briefly in this episode).

Possibly or maybe not match fitness yet. He has now been here 4 years and we are only on page 14 on his thread... sadly shows what he has managed to do in his time here! Suffered some bad injuries which have really hampered him. Hopefully he can recover fully and actually have a footballing career whether that's here or elsewhere.

Pecking order for centre backs (IMO): Chester Terry Baker Jedinak Elphick Samba (if signed) Every other player in both the first team and youth team All those kids in China Tony posted in Villa kits Nobody at all Richards (potentially) With Samba it depends on shape that Bruce is going to play. If he wants to play 3 at the back, I think we will need the cover and I think Samba could suit that just fine. We would have 5 specialist centre backs with De Laet and Jedinak able to play there also in addition to the kids. The position is more than covered. Even if he wants to go play 2 CBs then I can see merit (as back up only) but will mean Richards going and possibly Elphick as well. By no means I think he should be playing week in week out but he wages would be far less than most and he can provide experience/cover so can see the benefit. I think that it will depend on who we can ship out as to whether we sign him.