Dave J

Massive blow

Yes we were 90 minutes away and no one can take this fact away from you or Bruce for that matter - but for me, given what was available to him - it represents nothing more than a miserable failure - I guess this is what divides opinion of the man. I don't feel many of us expected much less than automatic last season and therefore anything less has to be considered as not meeting objectives and therefore failure? Imo

Hey fella - no need whatsoever to apologise to me. I never gave it a second thought. For me their are no winners in this sorry saga other than both parties legal. I hope you keep well

I'm sorry to hear this Villan_of_oz I share your struggle. i don't think anyone would argue much of what you say. I myself have said many times - McCormack is far from the victim here - but I repeat Bruce does not come out of this whole sorry saga with much credit in my view. I wish you well

this boy can really play - he has a pass in him for sure and I think him and Jack would have been made for each other.

The issue I take with you and others re: McCormack BFHV is this. Its really very easy to call out McCormacks playing achievements since Bruce bombed him out. Clearly it's not difficult to highlight how his career has nosedived since this point in time. i very much doubt you will find a villa fan - who expects to see him in a Villa shirt once more. This however does not change my view that Bruce could and should have handled the situation better right from the start. But no - in typical old school style - he threw him under the bus along with £12 million pounds of club money ( great foresight this ). Finally the olive branch that you and @Stevo985 love to ridicule - could have played a role in McCormack's rehabilitation - although I acknowledge that following McCormacks return from his first stint in Oz and subsequent spell of gardening leave - the olive branch was literally a twig. Yes McCormack needs to take a very long hard look at himself - but don't fool yourself that Bruce walks away from this - with his head held high.

May I ask what that clown Bruce jnr is saying now ?

I think you are absolutely correct - I am a Smith fan, but I honestly believe without Jack we would have little chance of promotion. out of balance I would add - that every team in this league misses a fit Jack .

Most wingers are 1 in 6/7 so he's in good company. I feel he is worth a punt and will only get better - I also think he has enough about him to play down the middle if needed to.

Unusual Lapal - I've just given you two likes. I must be getting old. Anyhow back on topic

It's just my opinion but I have never rated him - he got catapulted into the England team mainly on the back of a 6 month decent spell and then went on to believe his own press. i'm sorry to hear that his career is over as I would be for any villa player - but always had a rick in him for me.

Really pleased for him - I hope he now goes on a good run

I think he is influenced by his brother - why does Craig look so angry every time he steps foot on the pitch.

I do feel this is a little unfair - given what they both achieved with us - particularly Peter withe - who actually offered to help us for free in our relegation season

I make you right - is it another case of way to much to young? Multi millionaires in your early twenties - this will affect your thought process it has to. Spend a season in the prem and your made for life.

We did his name was Sid

Have a guess

I agree totally - his touch is very poor and I believe he has only recently starting scoring after a long barren spell. total credit for attitude - but imo not good enough.

Character never comes into it - Keane just saw right through him as a very ordinary footballer

I honestly don't believe he had much talent other than being very fast - as others have stated his ball control was poor, decision making shocking, football craft zero - it's well documented that club coaches at the time decided to take a punt on his speed as a youngster. A very lucky man to have secured the wealth he has - on very little ability in my opinion. Houllier and Roy Keane saw right through the guy. If he wasn't a villa fan - he would have been shown the door a long time ago. I have always stuck up for Paul Lambert as I feel Learner shafted him - but I do believe he was in awe of Gabby for some reason - just why is simply beyond me.

Don't get me started on Gabby please.

Sorry - couldn't help myself

No - that was Bruce's fault !

Sorry that I have come into this thread late - and I might be reading it wrong, but should we be wanting Jack in any England squad at this moment ? Given the horror show we witnessed without him. Sorry Jack - I hope you will allow us this little act of self preservation and your time will surely come

Agreed