Lerner's Driver

Nervy, slow, unimaginative and vulnerable. Good job Everton are worse.

You are quite right, Tro. I was a kid at that time and my old man took me to Rotterdam, so I know what glory tastes like. I guess my comments are a charicature of the modern era Miss Aston Villa and her ghoulish desire to strangle the hope out of us all. We most definitely do need some more pragmatic types, perhaps even a bit rough, to keep her and us moving in the right direction.

Are you loving the winning football he's produced since joining? Have you bought into Stevie G's Aston Villa 'project'? Are you impressed with our clear identity and one for all team spirit? As a manager, the bloke is clearly all mouth and no trousers.

Mate, following the Villa is one mistake you can't pause or put right, you are destined to keep repeating it and it will continue to be something that haunts you even after you are dead. Aston Villa is a cruel mistress, only interested in raising your hopes purely in order to destroy them, slowly and painfully through a mix of neglect and incompetence. Your suffering is her delight! For those who have been abused over prolonged periods of time, they often say the only available choice is to enjoy it. You've had plenty of chances to walk away, but you always come back, don't you? You are in it for the long haul, I'm afraid mate. Bend over and present like the rest of us. Everton next and when we scrape an unconvincing 1-0 win after Tyrone comes on to nick it, she will be back in your ear, promising you the world. This time in return for one of your kidneys.

Hmm, you'd be surprised, some Villa fans quite liked and still miss cheeky Tim's 'at least he gave it a go' attitude. You are quite right though, both are/were talking rubbish.

I don't know why people keep saying he speaks well, to me he just sounds like a Scouser spouting a bunch of corporate motivational cliches that aren't f***** working. He says it with a steely stare and people assume he means business, then his team produces that meaningless crap. Stevie's on the make, laa'.

Serious question... What do people find believable about Steven Gerrard?

I agree, you are right. And therein lies the definition of slow societal progress. It's fair to give your man a chance over a period of time, but most of them fail. It's tiring. Life (as an Aston Villa fan) is **** exhausting. He is isn't worth the time or effort.

Why?

Imagine making him captain, analyse that McGinn/Gerrard fans

Day 1 of the new season and this thread has been created with reasonable justification. He's not very good and unlikely to prove us wrong. I want to be wrong. It ain't happening.

It is the modern way. Everyone talks out of their arse because no-one dares to admit they are not ready... unless you are Bournemouth, where admitting you are not not ready is a tactic that works.

Anyone full throttle enjoying the Gerrard era so far? If so, what are you loving? This is is your opportunity to silence the Brexshit doubters. Perhaps we should all just be waiting patiently for the benefits 50 years down the line?

It's a fair question. It's early days, but his early indications are far from encouraging. We lack any style, cohesion or identity, which would be fine if you could see roughly where we are going, but you can't, can you? We are shit.

Nope, theirs have more desire and cohesion. We are just cos-playing.

Zatman thinks it's funny.

It's a valid question. Unlikeable.

If you are an Aston Villa supporter and you enjoy it, you are a masochist, so just accept it. If you see an aggressive opposing fan coming towards you, lean forwards, express your submission and except your fate. You, we are shite. End of story.

No discernible style or intent. Usual Villa shite. Over inflated ambition not matched by the capabilities of the players. Whose fault is that? Players, club or fans? Who cares. We are still shit. The end.

Gerrard talks shit. He never sounded convincing to me. He personally, may have high standards, but that on its own is not enough. He can't bring people with him and persuade them of his vision. Reputation is important, but it's not enough. He's not likeable. W.A.N.K.

We deserved to lose. Well played Bournemouth, they played with pace, courage and conviction despite their limited ability, which shows it's all about attitude. Aston Villa played in the opposite way, which tells you the manager is living a Liverpool fantasy that doesn't apply to Aston Villa. W.A.N.K.

You want three words? Small, slow and shit. We are not very good. This game has been apaling. And no, it is not an exaggeration. Gerrard will be gone soon enough. Quote me.

I'm sure it all looks great in training, but we look shit under pressure. It's been like this for years. We need too much time to do anything. The whole team is ponderous. We ain't going anywhere at the moment. The subs changed the game pre-season, Gerrard needs to show some balls and play them from the start, kids or otherwise. We have no **** drive or desire. Cack.

W.A.N.K. It would be more fun. As would listening to this... https://youtu.be/TxbIU0X-lCI

Ahhh, that old Villa chestnut of taking our chances, whether more urgently on the pitch, or more strategically off it. There they are, the pesky little buggers, sitting up, begging to be taken, just like our future King and what do we do? Well, let's say in all likelihood, it probably won't be Bournemouth getting pegged back on Saturday. Far more likely is that Buendia will start on the bench, Couthino will show some nice touches and come 5pm, we will feel that crushing sense of humiliation and disappointment that we all know and love.