Thug

Unai-nai… emery’s my name rihanna. Ok maybe not.

Gets a total free hit this season, it’s already a write off - not in terms of the points tally - but rather in terms of fragility and uncertainty and Just steady the ship and not get relegated and he gets 12 months of ZERO criticism from me.

They’re funny to be fair, and they treat everyone the same

Since? including you mean?

It’s not official until @messi11 does the obligatory…

THIS. This is a REAL appointment. If it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out. But this is no Mickey Scouse appointment. Utterly brilliant work done, and Purslow is off the hook (if he’s getting the blame for not sacking Gerrard, he’s also getting the credit for this)

Nah. bottom half championship level at best

Ok fair enough, I haven’t read the full thread, and I’m not sure if I want to

That’s not fair and a total generalisation. I think you’ll find that that whole argument gets blown completely out of proportion when there’s a passionate conversation over something. Nobody likes to back down over something that they have said, and things escalate quickly. Gerrard was utter dogshit as a manager, but Purslow was refusing to act on what was obvious. Someone floats the idea that if he can’t see something as obvious as this, then he needs to go. Someone else calls that person stupid for suggesting such a thing… and back and forth until it culminates in a full on argument about something borne out of frustration. I think you’ll find this is human nature rather than a villa thing. People will get more defensive about their intelligence being questioned than whatever their opinion was about in the first place. person A: if Purslow can’t see that Gerrard isn’t going to turn this around then he needs to go too. person B: oh my god, you want Purslow sacked because he won’t sack Gerrard? After all the good that he’s done so far? You’re so thick! Person A: But if Gerrard takes us down, then Purslow will be at fault for not acting quicker!! You’re the thick one! Person C,D,E : Villa Fans are toxic, they want the CEO sacked. When actually, they’re just having an argument because they’re frustrated that the manager was utterly out of his depth and shit. If we appoint a manager that turns things around, Purslow will be a hero again. But If we appoint Robbie Fowler because he won the Ugandan Premier league with the second best team in the country…

It was only because Sawiris got angry at Fulham, and Gerrard would still be in charge if it was up to Purslow. Purslow would definitely have waited until it was too late, and maybe already did considering the games we have coming up. I’m not sure if you’re being tongue in cheek or sarcastic, but had this fool acted earlier we could have had some much needed points on the board already. The guy messed up, and he needs to own it,

No villains today lads. Guy is having a torrid time. So long as he isn’t the teachers pet anymore, let’s give the guy some love and encourage him to come good again.

Unbelievable performances all over the pitch. So hard to pick a MOTM, but Bailey's two unbelieveable contributions so early is what set the tone for me, and he's had such a hard time, he gets my vote. But honestly, any one of them couldve had it. The answer was so damn simple. Just take the pressure of those not performing by using your damn squad. McGinn and JJ have been pretty dire all season, just give them a rest for the love of God, and that buffoon may still have had a job.

That would be the best bit of business ever. Getting paid twice for this joker.

I want to cry tears of Joy. Purslow got a sour face on. Bailey been superb. Buendia playing his part, but not even in top gear yet - wait for him to get into his groove!

Please please please please please let us dominate and win, becuase I've been so damn sure that something like this team selection was all that was needed to fix our problems.

Really? it’s been expected for weeks.

I have no hatred towards him. Wanted him to succeed. I feel sad that he failed in such spectacular fashion - because it’s affected my club. He didn’t do anything ‘wrong’ other than be shit. He remained respectful until the end, and I wish him well. Deserved the sack, doesn’t deserve any nastiness. it’s like giving a child the keys to your Lambo and then wondering why he crashed it. I am MUCH more angry at the idiot(s) that sacked Smith to appoint a **** rookie. I’m MUCH more angry at the idiot(s) who allowed him to get us into a situation where any decent manager is not likely to tarnish their reputation with what looks like a squad ready for relegation. Should’ve been fired 6 weeks ago, when it was obvious to EVERYONE that he was in way over his head.

An awful, awful appointment. He wasn’t even the bloody coach. Paying him £6m a year to be Beale’s boss, who then left, so we were paying him £6m a year to be Critchley’s boss. Heads should roll.

If he goes down clutching his own head then neither player gets booked. He got out-foxed. Needs to be more Street wise

I want to see Sanson too. But I genuinely believe the manager was dragging the players down. However, I respect your opinion.

Every player gets a clean slate. even this guy.

As manager? This gets my vote too

I know he’s not been in the best of form… but a tad harsh? No?