PeteStan

I did read your post srsmithusa, don't worry. A very insightful and interesting analysis for those of us back in the UK who haven't seen the match (although I did watch the highlights on AVTV -great goal Gabby!). Good stuff!

No evidence of this style at Burton yesterday. It was definitely all pass and pass and move with a bit of zip (particularly in the 2nd half). Hardly any long ball at all. Hard to see how Carroll would have fitted in yesterday any better than the disappointing Darren Bent and Gabby.

Just this minute rang ticket office. There are both seating & standing tickets available again & they can be collected at Pirelli also for us exiles. Great news. Get down there if you can.

Rang the ticket office about 10 minutes ago and they are saying it's sold out. I guess it's AVTV or nothing now! Not sure what the chances are in the home areas.

So that's it then. Now we can relax. Play expansive football, win both our remaining matches?

One thing we can't doubt, whatever the motivation, Richard does care about our current predicament and wants to do something about it. Of course he is trying to impress Trappatoni, but I don't believe Villa is irrelevant in his eyes. He is one natural leader we seem to have and if his focus is switched on to be 'pro-villa' now (unlike last season's off the field antics) it can only assist in our current fight.

Phew, I'm glad you've cleared that up, phew, it was close though ! I'm off to put some beers in the fridge, kick back and watch the eastenders omnibus safe in the knowledge we are playing PL football again next season Thanks again for clearing this up It's a pleasure. I'm right don't worry. Mark my words!

I am not totally convinced that the Club has decided McCleish will go come what may, although Matt Kendrick who obviously often has some inside infomation, seems to think so. If we go down (and we won't) his positon will be untenable with the inevitable backlash that will follow. If we stay up, it's going to depend on fan reaction, season ticket sales and what plans there are for the summer. If, as reported, all future planning has been put on hold then it does seem to suggest that another change in manager is at least a contemplated option for an owner and board who will be desperate not to spend more money on manager compensation and manager aquisition compensation.

We are not going down. If Blackburn and QPR lose today we are all but safe. Blackburn would then be unable to overhaul us given our advantage in goal difference and QPR would have to beat Stoke at home and get something from the Etihad on the last day of the season. And that's without even considering Bolton and Wigan. One thing that won't happen, even if we don't gain another point, is that we lose our two remaining games so heavily as to erode our key goal difference advantage over the others. No we are not going down!

I think people should get off Richard Dunne's back. Whether you doubt his sincerity or not, the rallying cry he has given (yes I know it's all PR), after all the negatives; is just what we need. Senior, experienced players returning and giving out a positive message. I don't think we will go down, but things are serious. Well though the kids have done, the only way we will survive is by utilising whatever experience is available

I won't celebrate. We want him to be succesful, not gone. Anyone who thinks changing managers every summer is the answer to long term success is deluded. This Club needs a proper managerial strategy if it is going to change, yet again. And that is the problem. Cries for Moyes et al to be recruited are 'pie in the sky', even Martinez wouldn't talk to us and I do think he might have been a good long term option. This Club are unlikely to take a punt on an up and coming young manager from the lower leagues. They would see it as too much of a gamble given the impact of losing Premier League status. And by the way I don't think there is any chance he will be gone, even if the unthinkable happens.

Sorry Villanous I have only just read this. Congratulations on a sensible, intelligent appraisal of the situation and Alex McLeish's position and performance. Well done Sir, my feelings entirely. If only a few more could be a bit more objective.

I'm going to say it again. No one here will agree. But I don't care. I care about our great Club:- For goodness sake - Get behind the team and yes get behind this, our manager. Things are potentailly too serious. Making ridiculous, knee jerk, far too late decisions to get rid of a manager at this stage of the season are just too much of a risk (look at Wolves!). And the insults do no one any credit. Get behind him! Then when we are safe and at the end of the season make an objective decision. And maybe all of you are right. But all our focus should now be towards making sure this Club achieves Premier League status for 2012/13. And then have your way.......................! I may just not agree with you even then!

Due to illness I wouldn't have normally been able to go but I just had to go today to show support for Stan and the Club. Total respect to the guy and his family for being there today as well. And boy has he got a battle ahead of him. The fans were fantastic today. Come on guys let's stick together. At least for Stan.

I don't care what anyone else says, I am very proud of the effort put in by this young, very inexperienced team who had to battle against a slick and quick passing, very experienced Chelsea team and the REFEREE! Of course a team like this will always lack overall quality; but pride in the shirt and effort they certainly didn't lack. An emotional day for the Club, Stan Petrov, supporters and me personally. The media are now trying to drag us into the mix, given the recent resurgance for some of the bottom 5 strugglers. Don't believe it, get behind the team like you did today. With this spirit we'll be alright. And give the manager a break like he was given today. Recriminations, if any are needed, must come at the end of the season.