JohnGoodman

It's going to be McLeish. There are no smoke and mirrors as our board are not savvy enough to conduct a diversion campaign. Lerner has an atrocious record of appointing managers - a record he seems set to continue with. The board are PANICKING. Choppy waters ahead folks.

Looking forward to our 'Catalan style' football next season. I'm sure it will soften the blow as I watch an Ashley Young inspired Man United tear us a new hole. Martinez - do me a **** favour. A cheap, desperate appointment (IF TRUE - don't want to upset Randy's loyal cohorts), that demonstrates to me that Lerner has seriously downgraded his ambitions for the club, but has not got the decency to be straight with us - in stark contrast to his obsession with playing by the rules when dealing with other Premier leauge clubs.

General, We appear to be about to sell our best player whilst managerless for the second summer in a row, Can you explain the thinking behind this? It turn out too well last time did it.

If we have not approached Ancelotti, just confirms my worst fears about the board. Lerner has a terrible record of appointing coaches and Faulkner has no experience of football. We desperately need a football man on the board, with a better handle on the modern game than GT. McClarens appointment, coming hard on the heels of Young's departure would unleash a firestorm of protest that would drive a wedge between us and the club, undoing at a stroke all the good work that has gone into improving relationships with supporters. If we struggle next season under a McClaren/Martinez type manager then I would expect the first calls for Lerner to go would begin to be heard. Just saying....

Missing Mystery Man so much right now....

Hi General, I hope this doesn't get missed amongst all the spleen venting, but I was wondering if our media team are aware of 'City TV'? They are a new company who are looking to aquire TV licences in five cities across the UK - they will be based in Birmingham and we will be amongst the initial five cities. Could be a potential new channel for the club, both in terms of advertising and providing original content - they are looking at providing up to six hours of live programming per day to begin with. PM me if you want more details.

General, Picking up on the issue of artefacts for a museum, I for one would be happy to donate on a permanent basis all the bits and pieces I have collected over the years, happy in the knowledge that they would be enjoyed by other Villa fans. I'm sure I would not be on my own.

General, I think Mr Lerner's tenure at Aston Villa is on a knife edge in terms of it being judged a success or failure. We can't afford any Cleveland Browns style cock ups when it comes to appointing a manager. The Premier League is a far more unforgiving place than the NFL. I think we have seen today that we need a manager not a COACH.

General, Any plans for the club to release a Villa iPhone app?

All graft and no craft makes Johhny a dull boy.

Another setback to the Lerner/O'Neil plan.

General, Coming from a bit of a Royal Navy family, I was so pleased to read in the Bham Post this morning that Randy has had a painting commissioned for our newest ship HMS Daring, showing a naval battle taking place inside Villa Park! A bit of background for those who didn't read the piece - the Daring is a stealth warship, probably the most advanced in the world right now and commanded by the former skipper of HMS Birmingham. As such it is officially Birmingham's ship, which is why the crew formed the gaurd of honour at the Boro game. Can you thank Randy - the man oozes class. Birmingham has a long association with the Navy - strange when you consider we are in the middle of the country.

General, I trust the club will mark the passing of Johnny Dixon. Can I suggest the video screens display the iconic image of Johnny holding the cup aloft on Nigel Simms shoulders prior to the Wigan game. Using this image would give a nod to the other members of the '57 team we have lost recently.

Sincere condolences General. May you and your family find peace and strength during this testing time.

General, Could the club explore the possibility of releasing the end of season review on Blu-Ray? especially now the technology is within the price range of the man on the street.

General, I note that Jimmy Dugdale's No. 5 shirt is coming up for auction - will our newly appointed club historian be allowed to bid for it?

General, Love the artwork that has gone up in the Trinity reception - very classy. Would the club consider producing a limited run of prints to sell in the club shop?

You can buy Villa branded wine from Halfpenny Green Vineyard.

General, If I have a suggestion re. Nike merchandise, who at the club can I address it to.? I only ask because I would love to be able to buy the classic Nike Windrunner jacket in Villa colours. I know that Nike are doing them for national teams like Portugal and Brazil - not sure about club sides. BTW - I am currently reading 'Armageddon - The Battle for Germany 1944-45' by Max Hastings. If you have not read it, I can recommend it. Gives a very balanced view on all the armies in the field on both fronts.

I can clear up the Home Office coaches. There was a HO conference at VP today. Jacqui Smith was happy to be speaking at her favouite place after the mauling she got at yesterday's police conference.

Excellent read, but you may want to check when he died.

What are we building for? midtable? - an improvement on budgeting to stay in the league under Ellis I'll grant you, but hardly a revolution.

This summmer will tell us if we just have a more touchy, feely version of Doug. Have seen nothing yet to suggest we are ready to compete in the big boy's transfer market.

General, when you are back in the UK, will you sign my M65?! 200 up!

General, Does the club have a chaplain? I was very impressed by the chaplain of Everton, who talked a lot of sense following the terrible murder in Liverpool.