Villarocker

Proud History, False Hopes.

I couldn't do a short link on my phone so I've copied and pasted this from a news article from a local paper that was posted online: In a statement, the club said: “Having discussed his re-engaging with the chairman’s broader business while remaining involved with Villa in a non-operational role, agreement could not be reached. “On the strength of many productive years together, and a long-standing friendship, Faulkner has parted on good terms". Seems like maybe Lerner wanted to replace him. But, is it with Robin Russell on a permanent basis or, does Lerner plan for someone else to take that role?

You're right! It's my opinion that, if Lerner had bought from a previous owner who was actually liked instead of hated, and we'd done what we've done under Lerner's reign, he would have faced large protests to try to force him out. So it's not fact and is purely a hypothetical musing then? You don't think it's played any part in the patience fans have had with him? I think it's more to do with the fact that under his stewardship we, albeit for a fairly brief period, were as good as we have been in a hell of a long time before we slumped down to this mess. "Were as good as we have been for a very long time" isn't exactly true IMO. In the Premier League we have had 8 seasons under Lerner's ownership, of which, 4 of them have seen us finish in the bottom half. Although, to be fair to him, his first season he didn't have much of an input into the team. In the previous 14 Premier League seasons before Lerner's arrival, we only finished in the bottom half on 3 occasions. I really don't think that 3 consecutive top six finishes should be held as a defence for some of the worst football, results and managerial failures that this club has known, certainly in its recent past.

IF, Pat Murphy is right and Lerner was trying to force Faulkner into a non-operational role, why would Lerner do that? It's always seemed to me like Faulkner was doing exactly as Lerner wanted, so why change it?

You're right! It's my opinion that, if Lerner had bought from a previous owner who was actually liked instead of hated, and we'd done what we've done under Lerner's reign, he would have faced large protests to try to force him out. So it's not fact and is purely a hypothetical musing then? You don't think it's played any part in the patience fans have had with him? I do Jonah. I think that he's been very lucky in respect of the fans not openly showing their displeasure towards him. I also think that his timing is right for the sale. Because, I believe the fans would have turned on him this next season, if it turns out to be another struggle and he hadn't already made known his intentions to sell up.

You're right! It's my opinion that, if Lerner had bought from a previous owner who was actually liked instead of hated, and we'd done what we've done under Lerner's reign, he would have faced large protests to try to force him out. So it's not fact and is purely a hypothetical musing then? If you say so Lexicon. But, for me, Lerner would have faced protests in that scenario. So you enjoy the fact that you are right about me being hypothetical and I'll sit here and think to myself just how lucky Lerner is to have bought from Ellis. I just hope Lerner is gone ASAP so some good vibes can return to the Villa.

You're right! It's my opinion that, if Lerner had bought from a previous owner who was actually liked instead of hated, and we'd done what we've done under Lerner's reign, he would have faced large protests to try to force him out.

If we bring in a better CEO, someone who might even make the fans thing 'Now you're talking!', then surely Faulkner leaving will be seen as a positive, as it will have lead to the appointment of said person? I personally think (hope) that Lerner has taken notice of many calls for a clear direction, lead by someone with a good plan, and is in the process of bringing in a CEO that we can get behind. Our current CFO is now our acting CEO. It wouldn't surprise me if Lerner left the man who normally looks after the pennies in the place of Faulkner. After all, we've got to keep the spending down to a minimum.

What exactly have Villa fans had to be happy about over the last 4/5 shambolic years of Lerner's ownership? Personally, given we had the statement from Lerner yesterday following bu this today I think it is fair to call that shambolic. I never much rated Faulkner but I would be hard pushed to think of a worse time for him to be going or for their to be a more shambolic way to announce it than less than 24 hours after the absentee owner announces the focus is back on being a football club rather than an unwanted asset. 2 scenarios with a question each: 1) Faulker left on his own accord for whatever reason. How's that the club's fault? 2) Lerner's renewed focus involves shaking things up and replaces the CEO. Doesn't that show pro-activity? With regards to happiness - it's where you find it. As a football fan, you've no right to anything and can only take what you're given because you've got no control anyway - winning games makes me happy, scoring goals makes me happy, the shit that happens, it's sad but if you let that affect you to the point where you're seething with rage and personally insulting people you don't know or never met, what does that say about you? You as in people in general, I mean. Other scenarios are available. Certainly are, like: Faulkner is kept in the dark over potential takeover, Lerner makes his statement on Monday, Faulkner thinks "f**k me! I've been sat around here thinking a new employer is on the cards and now numbnuts has gone and stitched me up again. That's it, I'm off". Or, something along those lines.

Well anything could happen in hypothetical land, couldn't it? Care to elaborate? "Lerner is very lucky to have bought the club at a time when Ellis was majority shareholder. Otherwise, he'd have suffered the indignity of large protests against him at Villa Park." Nothing hypothetical about that statement. It is a matter of fact.

Well anything could happen in hypothetical land, couldn't it? Care to elaborate?

With the owner wanting out and now the CEO jumping ship, can anyone blame the players if they start wanting out? OK, there are some we would miss but some would be a big loss to us in our current state. Faulkner was never much liked but you have to wonder what restraints were placed on him by Lerner.

What surprises me about Lerner is the fact that he survived the "LERNER OUT" banners and will leave of his own accord, despite the fact he oversaw some of the worst results and performances in our history. Lerner is very lucky to have bought the club at a time when Ellis was majority shareholder. Otherwise, he'd have suffered the indignity of large protests against him at Villa Park.

I just wonder who Lerner will bring in to replace PF. With our future uncertain, we may not be able to attract anyone decent.

Regardless of who employed MON he was regarded as a top manager and we were all happy about his appointment at the time. I don't blame Lerner for backing MON but he and the board are to blame for giving him so much power. Fair shout Amo. Maybe the decision to hire wasn't poor but, the decision to give him so much power was.

Would this team, as a regular starting line-up, be so bad? -----------Guzan----------- -----Okore--Vlaar--Clark/Senderos Bacuna--Delph--Westwood--N'Zogbia ------------Cole------------- ---Weimann/Gabby---Benteke/Kozak--- I'm thinking that Lambert will go three at the back when all his defenders are fit. I also think that N'Zogbia might get a wide left role because our other wide left players are poor quality.

I'm not sure anyone knows for sure whose decision it was to employ O'Neill. If that was Lerner's, I guess you could even argue that all his manager's have been poor decisions by him.

I just can't wait for Lerner to go. Regardless of how you personally feel about him, having him here is akin to living with a woman that has told she no longer loves you or wants you in her life. The sooner Lerner goes the sooner we can start to rebuild our rudderless club.

I am as apprehensive as the next Villa fan about this signing but, it's his Villa performances that I care about, not his Swiss performances. I agree he's been poor for other teams but he might play well for us, hopefully. Besides all the above, I actually think that Clark will up his game this season. He's got Okore back fit, a new signing in Senderos and, his Ireland number two at the club. I think (hope) Vlaar and Okore will be two of a back three. The other player will be between Clark and Senderos IMO.

Wondolowski is shite.

Anyone ever seen a better World Cup finals? I certainly haven't.

Remember when we were talking about Jermain Jones being linked with the Villa? He's a quality player.

I'm thinking that at least Clark may improve, simply because his assistant boss at club level is also assistant boss at international level. I find it interesting that 2 years is the term of contract. Is that anything to do with the possibility of Ireland needing him for the 2016 European Championships?

To be fair, there are players at this World Cup that look half decent and would no doubt cost little in terms of transfer fees or wages. Let's hope Lambert and Co are seeing them and taking note.

^^^^ This is my favourite recent post and pretty much says it all.^^^^