I was hopeful of a couple of transfers in the winter, but given the Covid outbreak and its potential consequences, I just want to get through this season, have everyone vaccinated and go for a few blockbuster signings in the summer.
First and foremost hope the players and staff are doing well and the ones who may have symptoms recover quickly. This definitely throughs a wrench into our PL season. Thank goodness we've already picked-up a decent number of points and are well away from a relegation scrap.
The signings of Martinez and Cash in positions where most of us thought we were solid enough gives me confidence in our recruitment strategy. I believe Smith and his team know exactly which areas need upgrading, competition or depth.
Think we have a side to win a trophy this year. Hope we give the FA Cup a real go.
For ManUtd, would put Barkley in for Traore and switch Grealish to the right wing. Mings in for Hause.
We are a very competent side. Players looked gassed though. Can't see us doing much second-half. Will likely need something off of a set piece or some Grealish magic.
Reassuring to see Crystal Palace score against Leicester and West Brom getting a draw against Liverpool. Makes our performance against them that the more impressive. Also Burnley had far more opportunities against Leeds than against us and were unlucky to have a goal disallowed and given a penalty against them.
The commercial revenues (beyond TV money) of these clubs are significantly higher than other clubs in the Premier League. That's where there is a major chasm that needs to be narrowed by clubs like Villa and Everton or else FFP will get in the way of squad development.
The other day I was listening to an interview with the Milwaukee Bucks General Manager where he mentioned trading notes with Aston Villa on Covid protocols at venue. Hopefully, they are also exchanging best practices on the commercial and marketing side.
Just listened to the Crystal Palace review. Enjoying the sober analysis from Jugsy and Chadsy and helps differentiate the podcast from a few others where the guests tend to be more emotional in their analysis.
What's impressive is that we are really in control matches and creating so many chances. It's not like we are just getting lucky and nicking a few victories.
It's pretty clear we can create chances against any team, therefore in games like this it is really about taking them. Chelsea will score 1-2 goals, it's whether we can find the net 3 times. Think we win 3-2 with Watkins and Grealish scoring - they are due.
I definitely was one of the most critical voices of the initial signing and I'm still here
Great to see the form he has been on in the last 2 matches - long may it continue.
He signed in Dec 2018. Purslow would have been CEO then and Smith the head coach. So can't really blame anyone but our current management if the contract is indeed so toxic.
I'd go for someone experienced who is willing to be a squad player. Deeney? He seems to have a lot of positive things to say about Villa and Dean Smith these days.
Then loan out Davis and Wes so they get matches.