There should be no excuses. These players get paid big money and they owe it to the fans to perform. This half arsed attitude shown by some of the seniors is a big part of our problem. They need to be moved on before we can go forward, i dont care who the manager is they need to go
You also have to consider there are a lot of players that would still very much love to play for a team like Aston Villa. Just because McLeish may sign a player typical of him doesn't mean they will be worse. If they arrive and they play with passion and pride especially if they are now playing for a bigger club than they came from, we will be playing better football and winning more games as a result.
Player quality to me isn't set in stone just because they are deemed crap at one club does not mean they will be crap at ours, the same is very much true the other way round just because they are good doesn't mean they will be here.. The best we can hope for is whoever we bring in no matter who they are, is that they perform to their best while here. If they give that then they are already better players than 70% of the players we have.
This is something ive alluded to in the past. Our transfer policy is all wrong. Instead of signing up and coming players who are hungry for success and make a name for themselves we sign over the hill shyte who have no real interest in being here. Havent both Ireland and Warnock said they would rather not be here (or something similar)? Im sure the likes of Collins and maybe even Bent couldnt give a toss either way. This attitude then permeates through the squad and its just counter productive.
I think a big part of Swanseas and Norwichs' success is down to their players wanting it more. Who would have wanted us to sign nathan dyer at the start of the season? You would have been laughed off these message boards if you did, such is the small mindedness of some people. I rate Snodgrass at leeds, think he would be a great addition. But i got pelters on here when i suggested it. No doubt in my mind that he will play in he prem one day and be a good player