ChesterDad

With respect - we see things differently, that does not make you right and me wrong and vice versa. When it comes to this topic, maybe we agree to disagree ?

JV - This one could go around and around. Suffice to say, he is now playing really well and long may it continue. We disagree on his past, but if he keeps performing like he is now, this will soon become a distant memory to even to past doubters like myself

Come on JV - you know exactly what I mean? For two years for whatever reason - he offered us very little, put your hand on your heart and tell me - if he had left in the summer, would you have been bothered ??

With all due respect - why does he deserve an apology ? Let’s have this right, for whatever mitigating reason that anyone wishes to purvey, for two years he did nothing for this football club, but claim a fantastic wage. Yes of course - he is now performing very well, and even as one of his public detractors I am happy to see this, and long may it continue. If anyone in our squad deserves an apology - it’s Youri Tielemans. He must have thought what the heck is going on, he was trying his hardest, getting pilloried, nothing was going his way - but he never hid or shirked the challenge. Thats my opinion anyway

I’m afraid that’s not the case imo - Bertie is far more skilful than Bailey. But totally acknowledge the game is all about opinions

Agreed

I think there are a number of fans, who would align themselves to this point of view. I was extremely disappointed with his returns - you can put this down to whichever reason supports your argument the most I guess? Would I have cared if he had gone in the summer, absolutely no, but again like many of us, I am very happy that he stayed and with his current form. Only time will tell, if we have a great player on our hands - given his form this season, I would say most likely yes we do.

And it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy and will finally stop Gobby going on about how good he was and knock both chips of his shoulders.

Look I’m going to leave it here if that’s ok? You won’t accept there maybe an alternative view. So on this topic with your good self I’m out

With the greatest of respect - you are clearly a huge fan and have Bailey tinted glasses I’m afraid. He has been great this season and we are happy to have him in this form - however feel free to dress it up as much as you wish, but he has been pretty poor overall. if for whatever reason - he had been sold pre - season, personally I doubt many of us would have been overly concerned at this. I’ve never been his biggest fan, but right now I am thankful for him, and his current form/ goals etc but I can’t overlook seeing some pretty abject performances from him in the past. Are we seeing a player in a truly rich vein of form or a player showing what he is truly capable of - time is the only answer to this question. Hopefully it’s the latter, but please let’s have it right. There is an alternative view here. In my humble opinion

Personally I think there is a baller in there, but it’s looking less and less likely that it’s going to happen here. Game time has probably just become even harder for him. Wish him well.

Terrible footballer - even worse pundit, gosh, could be Gobby !

Do tell

Of course - in your opinion this is.

I understand that I am in a very small minority ( probably about 2 ) but having followed Villa since around 1975 - I can say this Bertie is the most naturally gifted footballer I have seen at Villa. I accept like most wingers - he is totally inconsistent - but what a player. Farewell Bert - would be amazing to see you back at VP in European competition soon.

With all due respect - why?

I’d say out of form but not rubbish and not worthy of a starting place at this moment either, but I do believe he will return to form soon. Also I would add that he is getting off rather lightly when you consider some of the abuse that NZ is getting and there ain’t an awful lot between them currently - and no I don’t want an upsurge of negative comments about him.

You are not wrong

I don’t think you will find an awful lot of sympathy for Bruce ( I agree regarding the cabbage incident and I also agree in relation to his personal circumstances ) but let’s have it right - The guy is a footballing fraudster imo. Ask Sheff Wednesday fans what they think about him or Baggies fans for this matter - He thinks only of himself and nothing more. Not that we have much empathy for Newcastle - but ask toon fans, what they think about him - plus the huge settlement there or thereabouts that he is reported to have received following his dismissal . I don’t believe there is room for personal abuse, but Bruce is frankly one of the last people in football that I feel sympathy for.

One positive is that he saw through Gobby. Went up in my opinion for this - along with Roy Keane.

You are absolutley correct and I doubt there are many who would argue with you, it’s only right however that on a forum people are allowed to voice their concerns, and Ollie’s first touch I’m afraid will come under scrutiny from time to time. Ollie is very highly thought of by most Villa fans - but this does not excuse him from fans voicing their opinions I don’t think

And rightly so at the time. My own is not really caring how we did under McLeish - I wanted him gone so badly. Even the Bolton game didn’t bother me ( sorry my bad )

I don’t think anyone has suggested we will be. I think that the point some are making here is that Ollie is a very good footballer, but not elite. His weakness in my humble opinion is a lacking in technical ability - quite evident last night, again imo - but that does not mean that - we are not happy he is in our team. I would like to see a striker with a different skill set to come and support Ollie and play a different role as and when needed. This I feel could help us even further in our transition. I like Ollie - but i would love to see some help for him. Duran might do this in time.

And both would be classed as elite imo.

You surprise TRO - you are clearly a very knowledgable person - but you are not concerned by Ollie’s technical abilities ? Surely this is the main talking point when discussing all things Ollie? In my humble opinion - his lack of technical ability is the reason, why he will never quite bridge the gap to being an elite striker - very good, but not elite.?