Gary Thomas

He was much better second half and think we saw glimpses of what is to come. Very good defensively. Best 45mins he has had for us by far IMO. Hope he can build on this.

Thought he did well last night and gave us a bit more energy in midfield.

Take anything. The hey Jude theme for Ayew could also work (Na na na na na na na, na na na na Ayew). Think it is easy to write chants that would work - there are plenty in the chants thread. The problem is getting people (or groups) to actually introduce them in the grounds. I go with my 12-year old lad and as much as I sing my heart out, me and my lad ain't going to introduce a new chants in the Holte! But someone needs to. Half time, in concourse, by packed bar, that sort of thing.

When people travel I think they have that bloody minded attitude they will back the team whatever and the minute anyone starts a chant everyone gets on it - even in the concourse! That can happen at home - esp. Holte and North - IF we, as individual fans, choose to support - even when things are not going well on the pitch. That's a 'choice' we make. The game against Newcastle last year showed what can happen if fans choose to support - terrible team, terrible performances, incredible support. The home support has a crucial part to play this year and to my mind we should all support loudly, every game, unconditionally. So enough of the apathy and just sitting quietly. Lets play our part, wherever we sit at VP, and make our voice heard and maybe, just maybe, we can help the team get to the play-offs. Arise 12th man!!!!

Without want to cast any shadow on last night and on wonderful support, our repertoire of chants needs improving, badly. Whoever actually creates chants - the ones that actually get sung at the ground - needs to get to work because we have less chants now than at any time I can remember. Why are we not singing 'Stevie Bruce's Claret and Blue army'? Not sure about that Viking thing (Bruce, Bruce, Bruce!)

Don't know about that, but the truth is both played well last night, especially Bacuna. Think most who saw the game would agree - penalty or no penalty.

Players in this division are not top players and when you put them under pressure they don't like it. Our mistake is we often sit back and let their defense just play out with no pressure on the ball. I think the key for us in the second half was we started to put them under pressure. When we did it you could see them panicking and we often won the ball.

100% agree. Him and Hutton had good games, but Bacuna was very good. Appeared to be the one setting the example, working very hard to put their defense under pressure; then others seemed to follow. Thought Gardner also put a good shift in and Jedinak started shaky, but in the second half i think we saw some good signs from him - fighting. winning balls. Hutton, Bacuna, Gardner and Jedinak all get plenty of stick from us, but I think they all did well last night. Baker too.

Just got back. Very happy. Goodnight. VTD

Just read this mate. Top effort. Me and my lad will be cheering them on!!!!!

I agree, but if we win Tuesday it's back on Edit. Yes yes I know.....we won't.

Just got back. Bit gutted, but will get over it. Don't blame Bruce at all, but the way our players fold and concede ground is a concern. Made Wolves look like a great team at times - they aint. Wie drop too deep ever time, give them way too much time and space and we don't seem to really go after a game or really believe we can win. Reckoned we needed about 19 wins and 7 draws when Bruce took over- now19 wins and 6 draws. Least we didn't lose.

This. Also expect him to get a great welcome today. He's going to get us promoted!!!!!

COME ON VILLA BOYS MAKE SOME NOISE!!!!!!!!! Looking forward to seeing how Bruce lines us up.

I think that is right. Also players very keen to impress the new boss and make sure they cement a place in the regular starting 11. All points to 3pts

3pts will get things rolling. COME ON YOU LIONS!!!!

Leader has spoken. Lets do our bit and rock VP tomorrow.

Apparently they're a 'GPS device that provide statistics like speed, acceleration, deceleration, heart rate, dynamic stress load among others!" (link).

Just saw the pics with Bruce training. Good signs, Ayew smiling, I think

Thanks both.

Completely respect people have different views on this, but I don't think he has said he doesn't mind. He was talking about when he was the opposition and the stick we gave him. He took that well and laughed it off. In that Radio 5 interview he also talked about wearing a hood at times and how the fans at Liverpool layed into him - he clearly did mind. Think it's fair game when managing/playing for the opposition, but calling our own manager 'potato head' is different gravy. I think he will mind, privately, which is why it doesn't sit well with me. I just don't think he'll be thinking "those villa fans eh, what a great sense of humour, calling me potato head, they're really taking the piss out of themselves for being daft and fickle you know". To me the battle lines and been redrawn and it should be consigned to history. Not going to say anymore about it because people will make-up their own minds and the crowd will decide on Sat/Tues. I'll be sitting that one out though.

Anyone know if any coaches going to this with spaces? I'm in Sutton/Streetly but could catch it anywhere. Otherwise, anyone suggest best place to park around Stadium?

LOL - my mistake - Gabon.

Yeah, standard protocol for a new manager I think. For all we say about our players faults, we really do have some excellent players, but they have lost their way and the confidence has been gradually sapped out of them. Imagine Bruce will be in their ears every day now telling them what fantastic players they are. Think that, in itself, will make a big difference and hopefully we see more performances like earlier in the season where we we're often dominating teams and playing well for large periods.

People will jump on this, but I have often wondered if Richards might be worth a try in the midfield - maybe right side - think he would do no worse than some.