AJ

I guess it all comes down to individual perspectives. I don't think we can define ourselves as mates with Steve Bruce. As it is, some people like him, some people don't. It wouldn't be to the point where we can pop over to his house and borrow his lawn mower or anything like that, but he would probably consider us as "the crowd". The crowd could be admiring and respectful, or they could be abusive or derogatory. The crowd referring him as Brucie could be regarded as quite endearing. The crowd calling him " Brucie boy" could come across as quite demeaning, however, when used in a post, could be regarded as affection. Calling Steve Bruce " Mr Potato Head", however or wherever, is just mean and childish.

His mates would probably call him that. So, yeah. I don't think that " Brucie boy" is that bad either. I have been called something similar by people younger than me, and in context, it wasn't meant in disrespect.

Hear hear. I never liked the term potato head. Its something a five year old would say.

I like it when nice people say nice things about our nice club. It makes me feel good inside, like sunshine straight to the heart. Oh wait. That could be fatal.

Every morning my computer sings "hello" to me. Its a Dell.

The reason I suggest Lansbury was because when he played us, he was so heavily involved in their attacks. He is a cunning little shit, and would be just what we need in midfield. On the flipside, he has been at Forest for a while now, as if he is part of the furniture, and may be reluctant to leave. Also, Forest may be quite reluctant to sell an important player to a Championship rival. And he has shit hair. But, if we don't try for him, we will never know.

Sarcasm in Villa Talk? Sure. That will NEVER happen!

I appreciate your post, and you do provoke some interesting thoughts. What I am thinking is there may be much more to Steve Bruce than what we read or the snippets we see of him. For this reason, I am reserving my judgement until I see a few game results. If Brucie does get us up, it will result in a squad overhaul regardless. Players who were reluctant to play in the second tier may find Villa more enticing in the Premier league, especially with Tony throwing fistfuls of cash into their faces. Tony also seems quite ambitious, so he wont be another Lerner and just settle for making up the numbers in the Premier league. As for Steve Bruce, he does have his history with other clubs. He also seemed quite excited to be here, which is a nice change from the last 6 or so managers we have had. What sort of manager will he be for Villa, well, time and results will tell.

Lansbury?

Sounds like he will be conflicted. Hope you both have a wonderful day out.

If we win our next away game (Reading), he would achieve something in nine days what the last two and a half managers couldn't do.

Judging by his formations, it was like he was applying feng shui to the pitch.

Still, I would rather we played basic football and brought sexy back.

For the past few seasons, one of the main sore points for the club has been the manager's position. A lot of people here are saying that even if we get promoted, we should ditch him for a more "glamorous" manager. I don't agree with this, as I wouldn't want to see Villa go back to square one. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, if it aint broke, don't fix it.... yada yada yada

I think so too. I think he wanted a manager who he felt comfortable to put faith in and fully support, and that is probably what he is looking for most in the new man.

That doesn't rhyme.

Soooo......who's coming?

Bit of an anti climax to report, but that was to be expected. I called out to him, I think he noticed me, as some nutcase who would turn up to an international match in a Villa shirt. He acknowledged the crowd, but I don't think he was up for any fan interaction. On another note, I did get to shake Matty Ryan's hand. Despite the goal, he did make some great saves, and I thought he had a very good game.

Off to the Australia / Japan game tonight. As I said earlier, I will try, quite possibly in vain, to get Jedi to sign my Villa shirt. It is a bit of a downer that he hasn't been up to expectations, but I have always been a fan of him. I am confident he will make his presence known tonight. I am just wishing he could play well for Villa.

No. We earn our place, just like every other sporting team on the planet.

I am about 90% thinking its Bruce, and about 10% thinking all the Bruce talk is a smokescreen for a surprise "bigger name".

Yes. I think he is doing a good job for Australia, and he also did very well for the Roar, but I just have a feeling that he is not ready for the job for Villa. Yet. I believe if he came in now, it would break him and he would end up on the ex Villa manager pariah scrap heap.

Was this in regards to Ange? I am genuinely interested in your view.

For a substance to be an effective turd polish, it must contain an abrasive agent.

I would just be happy with a manager that can get it into the players skulls that they are not just turning up for a game of football, but remind them strongly that they are involved in a competition, and that points do matter.