flatty

Hi General First of all I do appreciate you coming on here and talking to the fans and I hope it continues! I think there are two main reasons why the fans attitude hasnt been as we'd all like it to be the last few months Reason 1) We appoint Alex Mcleish - no real explanation as to why he was the single best realistic candidate for the job. Obviously you guys believe he is but the statement on the OS was full of hot air as Ive said before. I think frankly considering the reaction of the fans which you surely must have known would be mixed at best, I would have expected the club to come out and explain in depth how the decision was reached. The appointment has taken place now, personally I think its a bad decision but I've been wrong before and am hoping I am this time too. Reason 2) What appears (and I say appears as thats just way it seems) to be a lack of ambition in the transfer market. Considering the appointment I would have thought that Randy would have wanted to ensure our squad was as strong as possible in order to give AM the possible chance this season. I understand 100% why we sold both Downing and Young and I do think we got good money for them. My mind set is that the money we recieved for them would be added to whatever we already had allocated for improving the squad? We lost the above 2 key players along with Brad and also Reo Coker who could also be considered an important player for us. There were other departures from the squad too. Again my logic here would be that we need to replace Downing and Young and Brad. We have a lot of CM players with the likes of Bannan and Delph in addition to Petrov, Ireland and Makoun so replacing NRC directly isnt a priority I get that but there certainly are other areas we need to improve on. I think Nzogbia will be a great signing if it goes through and as I said on a seperate thread id rather him to downing anyway so the fact we get him and 10 million is great. I dont have any idea the ins and outs of running a football club but what I do know is that in the premier league its very easy to get left behind and I think thats what we're in danger of doing. I cant look at our squad and believe we're better or even on par with last season. I understand that you dont want to be putting into an open forum our transfer plans but my post here is to simply explain why we're, or at least from my point of view a little concerned at the present time. All the best.

Well I hope we get this nailed on ASAP. I dont think we'd find better for the money and to be honest I'd probably rather have him than Downing anyhoo - bonus that we get 10million too though i'm not sure we'll invest it in further signings :-(

Is he off to Liverpool then? :winkold: Yeah with Albrighton when he puts in a stellar season.. I think Albrighton's gonna get found out this year. I do not believe him to be this messiah that so many others seemingly do. I think this season will be a big test for Albrighton, I think he'll do okay and become an established squad player for us. Ireland, I hope will come good - mainly as I think if he doesnt then we'll end up with him regardless until his contract runs out. He's def capable of being a class player though.

Okay so my biggest issue is the lack of communication from Randy/the board. I am certainly one of those fans that was deeply angered and upset by the appointment of AM, I would love to know the percentage of fans that felt similar or in the least werent happy. Regardless the board/Randy will have known that this decision was going to be met by a mixed reaction and so I assumed and hoped that the club would come out and explain why AM was the best manager available to us - what we got was a bullsh*t statement full of largely hot air on the official site. And that was that... We were told by the General (whom I respect a lot for posting on sites like this) that we would see action in the coming weeks, of course by large the only action was agreeing to pay the blues compensation and selling two key players. We have since bought in Given (good signing) and have been told to expect one more - hardly the stuff dreams are made of and certainly seems to contradict the statement by the general. I dont think its unreasonable to expect continual investment considering as far as we are aware our aim is to play champions league and compete with the top 4/5. In the very least id expect the money we have recieved for the players we have lost to be used to replace them. Considering we spent a lot of money to bring Bent in during the Jan window this seems such a contrast now. I dont expect for the club to issue a statement telling us that we will be spending x million and aim to bring in players in the following positions... BUT I think a statement letting the fans know that we are still aiming towards the same goal would be appreciated, if our goals still are the same then its clear our method of achieving them has changed so an explanation why. If for some reason the goalposts have changed then tell us, dont just hide behind "cleverly" worded statements that leave us none the wiser. What I want is a clear realistic vision for the club and if I had that my vote would be approve, if this nervous and concerned feeling I have continues much longer then Im afraid it will be the opposite.

General, I dont feel that I am in the minority in saying that I am more concerned about the coming season rather than excited. This isnt the feeling anybody wants and I am sure it isnt a feeling you, Randy etc want the fans to have. Unfortunately we all tend to listen to the press and what we hear is worrying, also the comments from AM himself arent filling even the most optimistic of fans with hope for the next season. I understand that there are people far more qualified than me to make decisions on how the club should move forward but my honest feeling is that we arent moving forward and unforunately not moving forward in this league is moving backwards - moving backwards is what I think we've done for the last 18 months, I think under MON (and yourself Randy etc) we were at a crossroads where if we had signed a quality striker like Bent then we could have broke the top 4 possibly. Since then we've been in decline. This is just something that happens but what I would like and I think every other Villa fan would be a statement as to the boards goals for AVFC - is the aim still to play champions league football and compete with the top 4 or have things changed and if so why and what to. Regards James

Hope we get Nzogbia but we should stick to our guns and not be held to ransom. Considering the length of his contract at Wigan I think 9/10m is the most we should be paying. Anymore and theyve had our pants down..

I must say I am pleased with this signing. I think Given will be a great player for us, cant think of any other GK that we'd realistically have a chance of signing that Id rather have with us. Contract length - dont see the issue, its completely reasonable to assume that Shay will be able to play at the required standard for the next 3-6 yrs and as with any player who that can be said about a 4/5 yr contract would be what you want sign the player on. It suits the club, even if he moves on in 2 yrs we're not likely to lose much money. Very positive all in all but we're going to need another half a dozen quality players to improve on last season. Good luck Shay!

Hi General, First of all as you are aware I have been massively behind yourself Randy etc since day one and agree with you that Randy has made several changes to the club, none I can think of now that have been negative. This managerial business... Football is game, a business that would not exist (at this level) without fans. I understand as I am sure the majority do on here that there are far more qualified people out there to make judgement calls with regards managerial candidates than us, the fans. This said one consideration under normal circumstances when appointing a manager must be the fans reaction and support of the decision, of course this isn’t the top priority but a consideration all the same. With the above in mind and also the nature of this appointment I am disappointed in the way that this has been handled. Now I’m not going to waste your time (or mine) in ranting about why I don’t believe that Alex Mcleish is the right man for the job (though needless to say I don’t). The board, Paul, Randy yourself etc must have known that even talking to Alex Mcleish would cause a reaction and a negative one at that. If I was advising Randy then the interaction with fans would have been worlds apart from what we have had thus far. Ultimately Randy is the man, he pays the bills and he picks the manager. If Randy believed that Alex Mcleish is the absolute best manager available to us which I assume is the case as this is surely the only acceptable explanation for appointing a manager from across the city? Then whoever advises him/the board with regards to PR should have made it clear that it would be imperative to have a press conference immediately, a statement even sooner that explained exactly why Alex Mcleish is the best manager available to Aston Villa. I am sorry but the statement on the website is just full of hot air, I could put a spin on any manager in the football league and every positive comment the official statement could be countered, and with sensible comments not mindless fickle reaction. I understand that Randy doesn’t like to be heard but if ever there was a time... Still it’s his prerogative and that is respected. I guess my point is that whilst the decision to appoint Alex Mcleish may be seen by many (perhaps the overwhelming majority) as a disappointing one the fans reaction could possibly have been controlled somewhat by some careful PR at the right time(s). Are you, the board, Randy happy with the way this has played out?? I look forward to hearing the clubs reason and rationale behind the appointment out our new manager over all other possible candidates. I believe that this is a huge gamble considering the fans reaction (which must have been predicted) and what it would take in terms of results/success for the fans to believe that you had made the right decision. I hope this gamble pays off...

I'd take that i wouldn't take Barton if he was a free transfer with zero wages. sometimes you have to have principles, and taking on a thug like Barton should be a red line in the sand. Absolutely. The AM appointment has disappointed me, but life goes on. But seeing the likes of Barton in a Villa shirt probably would be the end for me. I of course can't say I agree with Bartons off the field antics but if we were to sign him at least there would be some logic behind it, he is a pretty good player after all. Alex Mcleish coming in, er, nope no logic that I can think of. to get back on topic, I hope Ireland reports for pre season and wants to prove himself under a new manager. No doubting he has the ability.

Yeah I've got a bet on us to be relegated. Expecting the odds to shorten up a fair bit and then I'll be able to lay it for a guaranteed profit. I cant see us being relegated even with Mcleish in charge. Luckily there will be some poor sides next season. I would be amazed if provided he stays at the helm if we finish in the top half. We certainly wont get the gates or shirt sales as previous seasons which will unfortunately hurt the club.

Certainly in my time as a Villa fan I have never felt so bad. I would like to say that I have nothing against Mcleish personally and I genuinely havent. I simply do not rate him as a manager, MON had him in his pocket to the most part when he was in charge of Rangers and yes he won the league cup with Blues but he got them relegated twice whilst playing the kind of football I'd dread to see at Villa Park. I cant say that his ability in the transfer market is in anyway a positive either, cant really think of one player he signed (that wasnt from Villa) that I'd like in claret and blue. I think now its a case of when which I am honestly just in disbelief about. And when Mcleish is appointed I am looking forward to our statement as to the reasons we have chosen Alex Mcleish above all other candidates. I mean I am truly hurt that Randy has even spoke to Mcleish with him being straight from blues but that aside, considering pure footballing and business reasons I fail to see one reason that any of us would accept.

Oh dear, this is really going to happen isnt it.

THIS, THIS, THIS, THIS!! I posted EXACTLY the same last night.. the whole thing just doesn't add up. Randy Lerner is the most honest guy there is. How many chairman have to tell everyone.. that and publically on their website often... Watford FC.... over signing Ashley Young. Boro.... over signing Downing. Leeds... over signing Delph (Particularly...remember what Bates said) that I can remember off top of my hat. Then Whelan's public interview of how proud we should be of Randy Lerner. What's happened as he had a seizure this week or something. Add to that why there is a complete blackout at VP and rumours staff have had to sign non disclosures... yet GK defends McCleish on facebook??!!! The whole thing is not logical! Randy's gone nuts! That can be the only possible explanation. Or maybe he was just winding Blues up...?! I think he'd litterally have to come out with a world class manager next to him whilst wearing a f*ck u blues tee-shirt on and going on record asking if birmingham city really thought we wanted a failed ex boss of theirs...but this wont happen im sure and this will go down as a turning point in our history and the beginning of the end of Randy's reign.

Well I've tried not to come on here since it became official that the club were intending to speak to Mcleish. I genuinely believed that the link to him was just another media guess, I posted as much on here. Simply gutted. I would stand by any manager appointed by our club bar a manager that had come directly from the blues. This really hasn't sunk in yet. I didn't think for a second that Randy would even consider considering Mcleish or any other manager that came directly from across the city. Hand on heart with Randy as chairman thus has been my favourite era (I'm not as old as some of you) but right now I can't see how this, even just confirming their intention to consider Mcleish will go down as anything but a shadow over his reign that will be commented on for years to come. I can't even contemplate the reaction should they actually go ahead and appoint him...I just don't want to think about it! Right now I feel I'm taking a season long strike from villa park. Regardless of who we appoint I am not going to be renewing my season ticket that's for certain. Hate to think how empty VP will be first home game. What I would have liked was a statement from the club laughing off reports linking us with Alex Mcleish. What we got was a kick in the teeth, I feel let down and I can't imagine the apology that will get me feeling the way I should about the club I love.

Not sold on Coyle, initial thought is that the job is too big for him. Then I think Harry at Spurs, he's made a name as a wheeler dealer at the bottom end of the prem and has done okay (well more than) at Spurs since being given a shot. Gut still thinks the Villa Job might be too early for Coyle.

I think we offer Moyes a better chance of success than he currently has at Everton. I think its pretty obvious that he's taken them as far as he can under current circumstances. He has never and probably never will be given a substantial amount of transfer funds. I think the jo he has done at everton on such a tight purse and such transfer restraints is brilliant. I think as it stands with the clubs that Everton would like to compete with spending money and considerable money at that even with his managerial skills he's fighting a losing battle and he must know it. Villa would offer moyes a job that would be secure, I think randy would like a long serving manager and he would provide him with funds, okay they might not be on same level as city but 2/3 times what he would get at everton. For me Moyes is the man id like in charge and i think if we got the opportunity to talk with him then he's join. imo.

You prefer Martinez to Moyes? That's fairly out there as opinions go I must say. Yep, I dont buy into all the Moyes hype. I think whether hes given money to spend or he makes money to spend he isnt 'that' good. The media hype around him is unbareable and ridiculous baring in mind hes won nothing. Someone on here described the job hed done at Everton as unbelievable. Unbelievable??? - I dont think so Unbelievable...probably not but a good job definitely. I think he's acheived more that Martinez in comparison. Moyes would be my first choice, when I first sat down and thought about it genuinely thought and still do he's be the best man for the job. Wanted Carlo immidiately but then decided that considering he's probably be with us for a yr maybe 2 max before he left for a top European club - even with someone with his hype taking villa to the top 3/4 would be one hell of a challenge in the short term. I think Moyes offers a long term benefit. I think he's shown loyalty at everton whihc will appeal to the board and his transfers have in the main been sound ones (id rather him be spending our money than rafa for a start) and he seems to have the nack of getting the most out of a small core of players like MON did to his credit. Moyes or Sven second choice for me.

Im not even considering Alex McLeish is being considered by the board. The bookies and the press have had no idea since day 1 who we're after, how many odds on favourites have we seen? Reliable sky sources indicating certain managers all of which have been wrong. Martinez was known because Wigan and Villa both made it known, that didnt work out (thankfully imo) and the press and papers are back now to guessing. No way McLeish, Im not getting stressed thinking about it-dotn believe for a sec the board would do that, think we should trust Randy etc will not consider him. Still Moyes for me, same since day 1. Though Sven close number two even though he's not been mentioned.

I just hope that Randy and the board are looking at Martinez because they genuinely think he is the best manager available to us. And not becuase he would be cheap and wouldnt demand a large transfer budget. If they have decided to be content with finishing mid table and no longer have ambition to break into the top 4/5 then it's time to move on. Im not saying I think this is the case and hope to God it isnt. Its just we have an opportunity to show our ambition here and we could be in danger of taking yet another backwards step...

The more I think about Martinez taking over my biggest problem is that the best case scenario (in my opinion) with him in charge for me would be something like... We lose Young but manage to hold on to Downing for another season. We may bring in one or two players but non of the quality or names that the fans will get excited about and we'll find ourselves competing with the likes of sunderland, bolton etc to finish in the top half. Worst case we could be looking for a new manager at Christmas... Maybe im having too much of a downer on him but I just cant get excited about it.

Martinez might well be the man that kept wigan up on survival sunday... but he was in charge of them all season too dont forget. Im not saying he's not a decent manager but in my opinion he hasnt done anything yet to prove he deserves a shot at a club like villa and this isnt me thinking that villa are the biggest club in the world but we are a club at one hell of a crossraods. we lost ground last yr whilst the clubs around us got stronger and now finishing in the top 4/5 looks more of a challenge than ever. I think we need someone who has a proven record of being able to manage a top 6 club and who has spent well and if possible but lastly a manager with a name and influence that may convince our existing players to stay at the club. What we dont need is a manager who is cheap and wont be asking Randy for 50 million to strengthen. I think after the flop that was the GH era we need to decided what our end game is. If its to turn into a mid table side then Martinez could well be the perfect manager...

Well it looks like it will be Martinez. Not just "sources" indicating we are in talks with him (like it was with Rafa) and Whelan's statement is perhaps an attempt to let the fans know he tried to keep him and also a last ditch attempt to let MArtinez himself know that he's still wanted. Cant see this not happening. Cant imagine Martinez saying no. From the boards point of view Martinez is going to be cheap in terms of wages, not want a great deal of a transfer kitty and to be fair to him is rated as a good new manager. Course he will cost some in compo to Wigan. I would be dissapointed in all honesty with Martinez. No way would he be able to convince the likes of Downing and Young to stay and I cant imagine him convincing too many top to join the club. Maybe the board see something I dont but for me I would have rather had Jol and would still rather Moyes, Sven, Hughes and a whole host of other manager out there. Maybe Im having too much of a downer on Martinez I dont know but right now I know id be deflated (worse than when we appointed GH) if we anounced that Martinez was the new manager.

Thats my concern TBH. - its all very well taking your time - but what actually are they doing - waiting for postal applications. My only hope is that its all down to hughes contract. But if Randy paid off houllier for £5m - then what would it cost to buy out the last year of Hughes contract at Fulham ? 700k ? - Doesn't add up. Im not overly convinced that Ancelotti hasnt been "sounded out" maybe he/his agent was asked if he'd like to be considered, said no and as a professional courtesy is remaining quiet. I mean other potential managers im sure wouldnt want it know that they werent first choice...just a thought. I cant believe that Randy etc didnt prior to GH leaving have a few names they would investigate further. I've said Moyes would be my first choice but I havent seen Sven's name mentioned really and surprised, I think he would be one id be more than happy with. ahead of the likes of Rafa for sure! Moyes 1st choice now but would be excited with either Jol or Sven too.

....LOL. Not sure thats the case.

The longer this goes on (I know its not exactly been an age yet) and the fact Carlo says he wasnt even contacted (though you cant be sure this is the case) I get the feeling that Hughes is going to get the job. Officially of course Hughes cant be talking to Villa and visa versa but I wouldnt be surprised at all if its pretty much a done deal. Who else does Hughes think will give him a job above above us in the prem? Im not dead against him taking over but cant say im excited about it either. Now it looks like Carlo joining is dead in the water the only "realistic" potential manager id like to see in charge is Moyes. Gets the most out of his squad and spends well when he is allowed. Perhaps not a big enough name to keep Young at the club but the flipside of that is someone like Rafa and id rather Hughes to him. Wouldnt trust rafa to spend a tenner...