avfcinwales

I think I can safely say my expectations since the takeover have been slightly under achieved by O'Neill and his lads. I had always thought he'd been away far too long from the Premiership and was wondering how he would perform. In truth I feel he has massively underachieved, because I still think the basis of the squad is no poorer in quality than any of those from 5 downwards. Now he's spent what he has I'd have expected more than we have seen since. You usually buy players in January to make an impact and get you out of trouble or a boost upwards, the opposite happened. I worry about next season, I can't see how he won't do better, but I have a nagging feeling there is an air of 'jobs for the boys' about his setup and its lacking the drive, the desire perhaps even the knowledge needed to do really well.

Blandy On june 20th I said Was I right or was I wrong, and why would I not like to see that ?? On August 11 I said Again I can't see why I wouldn't want to see that. Perhaps you meant this one Ok what's wrong with that its all true isn't it, and what I believed, in fact I still do, so why would I not want to look at it ? Now if I'd said this I might be a little worried as we lie 14th and on the way downwards after having gained a new board, new manager, and having spent nigh on 20 million. 6-10 I wish and still have a little hope What is this fetish some have with looking back into peoples past comments to prove points. PFE is it ? Can people not change their minds, can people not be wrong. Look at me I waxed on about what a buy Petrov was after the West Ham match, how wrong I was

Well we obviously beg to differ then Blandy, but if we have to spend 20 million or thereabouts to shore up the side how much are we expected to need to get us going ?

There isn't any proof that things will get better next season either Blandy, but there is plenty to suggest from this season that things aren't going as well as expected. I even see some rumour that Petrov is disappointed with the way things haven't happened as promised. I can't see either why people yourself included can't diverge the happenings on the field from what's happening off it. Whilst I accept they impinge on each other neither is completely dependent on the other. If the takeover had been acrimonious, if we had ended up with a tosser in charge, if he had bought someone like Fry in as manager I'd agree. But no, we went from a desperate situation to a wonderful one and whilst the likes of John Gregory, David O'Leary did well in their first season, all that has happened, despite huge sums by our standards being spent, is more of the same, in fact in my view we have gone backwards. But then anyone who read my comments on Taylor's tactics know I hate route one football, so I would. I'm sure O'Neill will sort it, I certainly hope he does, because I can't see a new manager getting much return on the players O'Neill has brought in and I can't see Lerner funding ad infinitum I still maintain, nothing I've seen so far, man motivation, team selection, players in, results on the pitch, tactics, have indicated to me O'Neill has done anything special and is the man to take us into Europe. Sure there's a new feeling about the place and why shouldn't there be with what's happened, but the results on the pitch have not been convincing all season, even when we were unbeaten. I've no real argument with Lerner anymore, every little bit of PR improves his standing but O'Neill, as much as I like him as a person and ambassador for Villa, hasn't done much to suggest I should be optimistic about the future on the field and whilst on the surface euphoria still rules, underneath it questions are being asked by an increasing number of people. None of us are saying sack him, no one is saying he's a total clearing in the woods, he obviously is not, but for a top class manager able to lead us into Europe let alone to be the next team to break into the top 4 he's got much to prove. Here's to him doing it next season

I don't know or care about your paranoia BOF so I will discount the first 2 sentences, I didn't suggest any of that but it matters little. I'm also of the opinion that things are not necessarily black and white all the time. Sometimes I agree with O'Neill's opinions, sometimes I don't and when I don't I often give a reason why. In this instance I thought his views were inaccurate and just excuses, lame ones at that Now that doesn't mean I always see his opinions as never changing as you seem to be suggesting. I admit guilt that I use O'Neills comments to illustrate a point sad are't I As to posting a positive article on the front page I don't see the relevance unless its an extension of the better fans syndrome many use when their ability to offer coherent thought dies. In days past like about this time last season I spent time trying to find plenty of positive articles and usually you were at the head of the queue to denigrate them, perhaps I have learnt a lesson, or perhaps as some have said its just me veing idle and using the easier option of criticising rather than praising. It could of course simply be that I am acting as a foil to those who post inane positive posts all the time without in my view much justification. Who knows, perhaps I don't see much to be positive about, or a need to continually reiterate that the fans have to be patient and give O'Neill time Perhaps I'm doing it just to piss you off

True few have said he is perfect, some have said in the Liverpool game he had a bigger influence than Barry though, which is amazing considering the stats, the pundits and O'Neill's own comments, but then as Old Fart and I said, it seems some just have preconceived views and do their best to justify them As to OBE comments, I might point out I have often said, as after the West Ham match how good Petrov can be, I have also praised Carew extensively, I really rate Maloney, loved the way Sutton played when he got fit and think Young is a decent prospect especially if played in his right full position, even though his price paid was lunacy. I might be edging my bets again but I don't think that justifies such a comment as this Maybe it does, Agathe apart, I think all of O'Neill's signings are half decent or better and have offered an improvement in squad quality I still think Petrov's form though hasn't justified his continual presence in the side and I'm a little upset that Young is being totally wasted by O'Neill at the moment and deserves much better treatment.

I think there's a danger that people see him as O'Neill's first signing and can't or won't see how poor he has been and is, even during the last two games. No matter what he does, how bad he is, they can't see it and make excuses, their minds are made up, any O'Neill signing has to be perfect even when he isn't

Negative defensive strategy that just paid off thanks to a much maligned keepers, fantastic save. Are we really that poor a side ? Are we that afraid of relegation ? Our often maligned defence has only conceded 3 goals a few times but the forwards have yet to score 3 and there's only 8 games left. Is that the quality of the players who managed 4 twice last season and 3 several times, I think not 1 point more against a top 4 side, play it that way, against that opposition and we'd lose 5 out of 6 times as we have. I don't think its necessary, I don't think its needed and I think the players we have are better than that, the next 8 matches are going to be interesting indicators I can't see there being much question we will be relegated so what will there be on offer ?

Just imagine what your son will be doing when we are top 5 in the Premiership PB, when the fruits of what has been started bear fruit. I wonder how old he'll be then

I'll try again. I have often highlighted where I think O'Neill has done a decent job at Villa, that seems to be ignored. I have often highlighted where I feel some have raised him to a level he does not deserve. If that is to be construed that I think he is awful so be it. As a coach I am not impressed with him and I have not been so since early on in the season where I felt we were over achieving considering the poor decisions I felt he was making. When others suggested his super abilities were the cause I objected. If that is construed I think he should be sacked, so be it. After the win at Everton I waxed lyrically that the team had showed how good they could be and that O'Neill could still do it. If that is construed as having conflicting views so be it. If suggesting adding a decent modern day coach is an indicator I want him out or I, at best, want him moving upstairs so be it. If saying I think at the moment he stinks as a coach and hasn't done anything like enough to meet his original press on here, so be it. I'm encouraged to see a few pundits coming over the parapet with similar thoughts this week, though. If I'm keeping my options open so that if he fails next season, I can say I told you so, so be it, I'm sure if he succeeds plenty of you will soon be on my case to say I told you so. NO? I'll say again, keeping my options open, I still feel he is doing a great job for Villa, I think his tactical and selection decisions stink and have most of the season and that's why we are so poor in the Table. I don't agree 13 th is were we should be with that squad before or after January. I don't agree a manager as built up by most of you when he joined, should be achieving such poor results, he just shouldn't and as such he is failing. That doesn't mean I think he should be sacked, for me he is achieving just as I expected him to, maybe slightly less, but there are still 9 matches left so he still might show me. He has done plenty mind, just edging my bets, just not enough considering the circumstances he has around him to suggest he is this top quality manager he was built up to be. I believe a real top class manager, one switched on to modern day Premiership and with the condition at Villa now, would have done better, much better. Until we get such, I'm willing to accept O'Neill will get better but for now when I consider all the improvements going on about and around Villa Park, he remains as a coach the weakest link, as a manager he's not doing too bad. Not that he hasn't done some thing ok in my eyes as I edge my bets again. I now applaud his introduction of Sutton, I love Carew, and Maloney and apart from his price, think Young a great prospect. I even think Petrov has shown he is a decent player. Everyone who keeps looking back at my past quotes, seems to have missed me waxing lyrically at his performance at West Ham ooops. In addition I think the stigma that has always been attached to the club under Ellis is slowly being eradicated, mainly thanks to O'Neill and I'd assume he's been a great help behind the scenes to Lerner and crew If that is construed as me edging my bets so be it, for me I see it as my balanced opinion. I also think as I said when he joined he has convinced me if he didn't think he was doing a good enough job he'd walk, I still believe that. I have my doubts though that he has the insight to do what is needed to get quicker results though but then I'm not involved in the day to day decision making so for now I'll just accept I'm contradictory, don't know my own mind, am edging my bets while I take the easy view, criticising seemingly easier than sensible argument I will continually refuse to adopt this jam tomorrow, everything will be fine philosophy, why because I don't like the easy sit on the fence options that require no proof. As JC said and I noticed few took him to task, I'd like to see some victories and soon

So I now want him sacked and by inference aren't a Villa fan, very interesting. I'm also very negative, well that's not new I was always accused of all the above when I suggested from day one Graham Taylor was a waste of space second time around. I keep saying I think O'Neill is doing a decent job, he always has, since he joined, we started with the best unbeaten run in the Premiership. I've not got the time or inclination to delve through the internet to find quotes on managers who have had similar quotes and then ruined a club, but I'm sure from Villa memories many remember all those who backed, Taylor, Turner, McNeil, with much the same exhortations most of you are above. Can someone please explain to me why since starting the season so well, after spending so much on players in January we are sinking desperately ? This relegation squad is awful and not O'Neill's fault when we sink down the Premiership yet had been turned around by his genius when we went so long unbeaten. A dichotomy ? I've lived with this jam tomorrow excuse too long, O'Neill isn't any run of the mill manager you all said well he certainly looks like one at the moment. He has taken a side and although it started well, the longer he's had control the poorer its got, that's a fact. I'm more than willing to give him more time, but I'd be much happier for the Villa if the present scenario wasn't so similar to the one we had in Taylors first season. I note too that a few pundits have come out with guarded criticism this week of O'Neill, Andy Gray and Le Tiss, maybe his easy ride is about to stop, a few more defeats and no doubt it will. I still believe O'Neill is better than the present results, but for now all he is showing me is the performance of a poor manager by current day Premiership standards. I'm sure he knows why Young is not played out wide and Gabby is. I'm sure Carew is an ideal foil for O'Neill's tactics, even if he lacks finesse in front of goal and I'm sure Petrov will come good in time. Thing is at my age Lerner was a gift from Heaven, its a pity he doesn't have a coach in his team able to live up to all the other great works he is achieving

We could have taken 3 points really!! How with 2 shots on target and one of those was a lame shot into Lehman's arms. when you consider the missed header, what a chance, and the several times Arsenal got behind our defence, even in the last few minutes I find both your suggestions hysterical. that against a side of reserves in a team winning their first match in ages on the back of losing in 3 cup competitions daft. why should I give him 3 seasons to succeed as I said above everything is progressing on at a frantic pace, only in the coaching department is the club failing. Why, and again I ask, what will be different next season ? Oh sorry O'Neill will have a full summer to do his work, yes that will make a difference I'm sure, he's had 29 matches and as I said above we started well and have gone backwards ever since Maybe he will get up to speed, in 3 seasons, he should with the conditions he's working under, but again I ask why should we wait for him to catch up

Apologies for the misread. I think there's benefit for the new chairman in having the figurehead manager arrive first and take the limelight, especially if as in Lerners case the limelight isn't something you covet. The biggest asset O'Neill gives us and few appreciate it, especially those too desperate to make him a Demi God, is that he was a superb choice with his experience to be in charge when an overseas owner came in. He must have made Lerner's life extremely easy being both intelligent, experienced at running clubs and superbly communicative. His kudos as a manager helped in keeping the media at bay too, as you highlight. Somewhere in the future the need will be to gain a higher profile for the club, ideally through consistently good results on the pitch and while Lerner has shown a great faith in his coaches if the Browns fans are to be believed, results count especially when big sums have been ard hopefully will be spent

I said 'few KNEW he was part of....' and if you read back you'll see that. When he joined many more speculated he would be the chosen one, although Lerner had other options as did most of the other groups, now outed by Ellis, that many on here refused to accept existed. Its just possible he had to be accepted before Lerner agreed the deal, as he was after all the main prize seemingly of one of the failed takeover bids. I'd agree with all the rest of your comment mind, I just feel he might have been somewhat of a fait accompli for Lerner, but one which has proved very useful nevertheless.

At the time O'Neill joined, under Ellis remember, he was probably the best option, no one really knows how much he knew about or was involved in the takeover, if anything. If comments received from on above are truthful, he's done a great job of assisting the new owners assimilation into the club and into Premiership football. What he hasn't done in my view is performed as well as some think he has and this none stop 'give him time', this wait until tomorrow spiel was always pathetic, and now its getting beyond belief. IF he was as good as his write ups he doesn't need the time. This doesn't mean I think he should be replaced although I have to admit with the changes likely come the summer in Europe I'd be very tempted to move him upstairs and bring one of the big hitters if we could, but if we don't I would still be willing to see how far he does take us next season. His track record suggests he can get us stabilised, it doesn't suggest he can make us into a top 5 side, but you never know

No, when he joined under Ellis few knew he was part of some of the takeover options and his deification was made then when he joined and has stuck with some ever since and why not when you consider the options maybe available at the time.

you are showing your inexperience then Ian. scarves were a great thing with us once and pinching them a real prize for the opposition, sort of a battle trophy, anyone involved in the troubles at Tranmere, Everton, Leeds and Sunderland will know what I mean

classic methinks Sir Malcius of Everall is getting his GCSE's and O Levels (or their predecessors) mixed up. spot on comes of none stop talk from my son and his GCSE's and my questionable degree of senility :oops:

Thanks for spotting the feel of the post OBE ) Yes I would. I'd like to see if O'Neill can produce an indication of what may come next season.

An away match would be nice, 3 goals for, in a match, two wins on the trot, convincing performances, the belief we have a manager and squad capable of achieving a top 10 finish, all would suit me.

Tony Barton did one thing, he bowed down to pressure from Ellis and broke up a great side too early, ask any of them, I have and they all say the same, Saunders would never have bowed to the pressure, he didn't when Bendall pressured him, and he often did. He was great in his background role and took the chance well when offered, but the players were in place as were the tactics he needed to keep a cool head and did but rightly the European Cup team was built by Saunders, trained by Saunders in his image and won in Rotterdam for Saunders, no one else

Any chance of their being a viable Villa TV channel as with Chelsea, Man Utd and others General ?

Its a long and complex question with an even longer answer I'd guess, no one yet has found. Where do Bisexuals fit as far as the question goes, I wonder.

Have I posted then ???? Anyone know how much involved from Nike ?

Oh thank you Blandy, that was nice