jackbauer24

I'd love to know who's less popular DOL or McLeish? For years on these forums the byword for failure and ridicule has been DOL, but that is surely to change now? Is there anyone who thinks McLeish is a better manager than DOL?!

You could take every match this season and argue whether we deserved more/less, whether it was AMC fault and every match would have loads of people with different views. Fortunately we have something called a league table and statistics to get an overall pattern, regardless of who was available, the tactics of one specific match. And those stats point to his sacking as soon as we're safe: We have won 7 games (joint 18th in the league) which will inevitably be our lowest total since 1890 when there were only 22 games! We need to win two more matches the 90/91 low. We had eight wins when we got relegated last... We have scored 35 goals (joint 17th in the league) and unless we grab another 6/7 could be our worst in 40 years. We are on course for our lowest point tally in the Premiership. Again, last time we got less than 40point we were relegated. But of course this is all irrelevant as the only reason we dislike him is because he's an ex-city manager! There is simply no argument for him to stay. No-one can say that even if he'd had no money and bought no-one that this poor a performance can be acceptable?! There are no reasons which are good enough. Houllier inherited a team with no preseason, half way through the year, with medical issues of his own and still did better than this idiot. I have no personal issues with him but the facts are there that simply show how poor HIS team has been. There can be no arguments against it. It's simple. Unless Lerner is suggesting he inherited a squad that is the worst in our Premier League history? And if that's the case Lerner, you've been at the club more than five years so is it your fault?! OUT.

There is a danger that this injury crisis could be used as an excuse for McLeish and even make it look like he's a genius using the youngsters. Let's get this straight, McLeish should have picked up FAR more points when we had our full squad available. This injury crisis (which no-one can blame him for) would have been a lot less significant if we'd seen a slide from 10th than putting a ton of pressure on youngsters as they fight for our survival because it hit an already struggling side. Which is why I actually don't think there is any point of getting rid of McLeish until we are now mathematically safe. The new manager will basically have to put out the same team such is the limited choice. The risks (uncertainty/ rudderless etc) outweigh the benefits considering how little scope for change there is at this moment in time. However the SECOND we're safe he should be shown the door. A team that has had a nucleus of players such as Given, Dunne, Collins, Petrov, N'Zogbia, Ireland and Bent available for a majority of the season should under no circumstances be in the position we are. Lower midtable at worst (12th) even 7/8/9th until the injury crisis started really hitting. I bet most fans would happily see our transfer budget fall by £5m if it meant seeing the back of him. Never in all my time supporting Villa (20yrs) have I seen a less liked manager - even DOL! And the whole Blues thing IS a problem, but for the opposite reason; I couldn't give a monkeys where he's come from but I think he's being afforded more time because press/board believe that's our problem with him and are ignoring the actual reasons - like breaking all the unenviable records for poor performance parameters! Can't stand him. OUT OUT OUT (the second we're safe!).

The managerial position is in somewhat of a dead zone at the moment; it would show ridiculous leadership from above to make any decisive decisions (public) now. A month or so ago, yes sack him and get someone in for the run in. After we're mathematically safe, sack him. But now we've reached a point where it serves absolutely no point to get rid with urgency - be nice, but kind of pointless. Just scrape together the points, try not to rock an already capsizing boat and get to that safety spot as soon as possible. Sacking him now adds further uncertainty, distractions and means the squad would be playing match days without a familiar backroom staff, captain or many first team regulars. I feel the point gain would be negligible now even if a new manager did come in considering the depleted squad and it's not worth the risk. You've still got to hope we can pick up at least 5 points before the end of the season even with this idiot. Don't get me wrong, all roads should lead to McLeish being gone by May at the latest. However, I just can't see it happening unfortunately. Money is now the most important thing to Lerner. Let's hope safety equates to McLeish out and Lerner putting us up for sale.

I separate this from all the doom and gloom around Villa at the moment, Albrighton is no more of a 'scapegoat' than a few other players. Simply put, he's just not that good. He's joins a long line of Villa youth players, he's got something but not enough. He has had ups and downs like all players but he's only ever really shown one ability; run, head down, cross or shoot with no real thought. 90% of the time that will result in nothing but occasionally it can be exceptional. He's been like this from the start and is just like 100's of players on the border of Premiership/Championship quality. Nothing special. When he was seen as the new star, Villa were playing well and we could afford to carry him and see him run down blind alleys and put in poor crosses because others would take up the slack. He'd have a mazy run and score and we'd be amazed. But in a struggling team he simply doesn't have that luxury; and he's not even that young any more. Albrighton and Delfounso, like many youngsters before them are all adequate at best. We just hope, because they're local lads that they can be more than they are. Bannan is quickly joining them. Gardner is next one we'll all start overhyping... they're is always one star but you need to get through 10 odd 'next stars' before a real one comes through. The Moore brothers, Ridgewell, Whittingham, Davis, C Gardner, Osbourne and before that players like Byfield and Rachel (GK) have all been touted as the next best thing and have all pretty much gone down hill. Real successes include Gabby, Cahill (now), Barry and Vassell, but we need to be realistic; we've never really had (and certainly now) don't have that Golden generation of youth. Albrighton isn't awful, at least he's never cost us a bundle of cash (I'm looking at you Heskey and Hutton) but he's squad player at best and probably far more suited to joining a Championship team and becoming a big fish in a little pond like Whittingham at Cardiff.

I think it's unfair to blame the second half on McLeish. He's responsible for both halves after all - if you say he's at fault for setting them up badly for the second half then he should be praised for setting them up well for the first. A McLeish fan I hear you call... no, don't be ridiculous (they don't exist do they?!) in fact I think the game from start to finish was McLeish's responsibilty and it was actually Blackburn who dictated both halves; by being rubbish in first half and making us look good, then stepping up to Championship standard and winning the second half. We have a plan and we stuck to it from the first minute - nothing changed other than Blackburn's effort/ skill. McLeish needs removing. If we can't afford a new manager/ to sack him then give him a new position that undermines him (like an honorary director of football with no real power but seemingly significant enough not to be constructive dismissal!!) and put KMac back in charge of first team affairs til season close.

I just don't understand; you lose your most experienced midfielder so instead off trying best to replace him with a youngster you decide the whole midfield should be as inexperienced as possible?! It could be a master stroke (there's always a first time!) but that seems like shocking decision to take out both Ireland and N'Zogbia and makes you wonder whether this is a tactical decision or a personal one. Surely a loss today will result in huge pressure on McLeish.

This is perhaps a lot more difficult than it should be. If we look at transfer expenditure, you may be surprised to find there isn't as much difference between Ellis and Lerner as I thought there'd be. Taking the numbers from transfermarkt.co.uk I roughly calculate: Lerner's six years as chairman, total expenditure £85m Then chose 94-01 (before Ellis started looking to sell), total expenditure £40m Considering the general rise in costs of players, income in sky money etc it could even be argued that Ellis spent nearly the same - surely that would be the case if tied to general revenue of the club but I have no facts to back that up. Or you could look at club stability (financially) and I think it's seen by all as a case of Ellis definitely winning that one. Revenue is up, but so are wages. And the club is now in a lot of debt. Or you could look at respecting history and tradition, Lerner wins that by a mile. Got to say that Ellis never employed someone the fans were against from the start and fired people quickly if the fans correctly saw what was happening (DOL). It's so close to call. Lerner lies more, Ellis was more deluded. Lerner bought this club at a bargain considering we weren't in debt and if you look at how much other clubs sell for. I can't vote. It's too close. But if I was absolutely forced to choose, I'd be swaying toward Ellis to be honest. And that pains me to say.

Worst home record in nearly a quarter of a century. Playing Heskey. Buying Hutton. Relegation a distinct possibility. History of taking teams down. Negative tactics. Not even trying against anyone in the top 14! But real reason is just because he comes from Blose.... mmm. GO!

This post was written about a week ago. Originally we needed SEVEN teams of NINE clubs to overtake us with 16 games remaining for us to be relegated. It was just a concern. Now we need FIVE teams of SEVEN clubs to overtake us with 14 games remaining for us to be relegated. It's more of a concern. That's ONE week and TWO games. It's so close that it's quite easy for those teams to leap above us. We are dropping rapidly. We occasionally plateau with a draw but then start falling again. We are NOT out of danger by any means. At the rate above we'll be deep in trouble in a other few weeks. For the record I think we'll survive, just. But next year is probably going to be the year we do get relegated unless major change happens starting with AMC.

18 years in top flight football at an average of 6 goals a season. It'd be great so see someone with those stats. How many games did it take them to reach these numbers? Would Shearer still be top given Henry's much fewer number of games (I imagine?) And how would the clubs share these goals between them - but that's a fair bit of research too. Anyone fancy it? I don't... but that's just cos I'm lazy...

Cynical I may be, but I'm not sure it was that much of a 'gift', if at all - although I'm not 100% sure any of these figures tally. If each coach takes 70 people - that's £2400 of ticket sales (£35 a ticket?) 60 x 70 people - that's £147000 of ticket sales. Now if, as I believe, we get a much greater share of FA Cup ticket sales then perhaps it was a worth getting the sell out for Villa rather than making people pay for their own transport and only selling half the tickets. Financially it might of made sense and actually got a little bit more cash for Villa. Not taking into account that we probably have a contract with a coach company or two and get corporate rates and bulk discounts. The fact it was an FA cup game is what inspires this thinking. HOWEVER, don't shoot me down. I admit I could have the numbers entirely wrong and being overly harsh on Lerner/ Villa on this one. Thinking aloud so to speak for more knowledgeable people to debate.

Fair enough. But my comments are based on the players rather than who signed them. I doubt I'd be alone. Jenas is a pointless topic seeing as he got injured - nowt to do with AMC. Keane - I'm just happy to see in a Villa shirt as he was always a hero of mine but again, nothing to do with AMC. If even a majority of fans based players on who they were signed by then we wouldn't have many fans of players like Martin Laursen!! Hutton is just sh*t. Plain and simple.

I genuinely don't believe that, people are willing to give CNZ time despite his dodgy start and everyone really likes Given - both AMC signings. But Hutton is simply sh*t - has not done a single thing well yet. My views on Hutton are nothing to do with AMC.

Absolute drivel This team is easily capable of being sucked in I disagree. The team on PAPER is far too good to go down. Any team boasting a spine of Given, Dunne, Ireland, Bent should be too good to go down. I didn't say we wouldn't however - I just think at the moment it's unlikely. The manager is capable of making any team get sucked into it. But I don't think that will happen this year. But I'm worried very much if he's given another season. However, maybe your simple 'drivel' comment is so awe inspiringly well thought out that my argument holds no water...!

Warnock has had good games for Villa - therefore he has played better than Hutton! Hutton has been amazing. Amazing in making me want someone else out of Villa before Heskey! He is without doubt the most shocking player I have ever seen us sign who has had a long stint in the team. We've had other appalling signings, arguably much worse, but at least they've never graced the first team. Hell, even Heskey scored on his debut. Hutton has been appalling, the positive praise we've had for him seem to be 'he played better this week' but to me that's just like saying "at least he only scored three own goals this week". I genuinely can't think of a worse player I've ever seen get such an extended run, especially when you've got someone like Cuellar who could easily come in. Hutton finally got dislodged because he finally got sent off for one of his many ridiculous late challenges. Cuellar performs well as his cover, gets injured - he should have come straight back when fit as he did a better job. As for Warnock, something is not right. Last season clearly affected him and he is a long way below his best. However, and this is where we are fickle, too quick to dismiss him as crap. Ok, he probably needs to be rested or better managed (!) but he's actually a good player when he's on form and has confidence which, unlike Hutton, he has done for Villa.

The team is too good to go down. The manager is too bad to stay up. = Scraping through this season but if McLeish carries on then next season it will almost certainly be relegation. Any team with Hutton is in trouble! And when we have the mini-clearout in the summer we'll replace them with more mediocre players. And we all know Bent will be off soon. This season we're going to scrape to 12th-15th, next season we are in big trouble unless there is change at the top (and arguably that could mean Boardroom level too)

If I were to change the league, initially you'd have to look at making the financial fair play actually FAIR. As it stands, the new rules will just make everyone stay in the same place - if you can spend 70% of your turnover on wages etc then teams like Manchester United will forever be untouchable - it maintains the status quo. If you're going to have a cap it should be a set value for all clubs, not a percentage. Percentages will only benefit those that already have excellent turnover and give others no chance to ever match them. Everyone can spend the same amount on wages then it will start being about teams again - making a team rather than just spending the most. But if you're looking at play-offs; I've always thought it might mae it more exciting at the BOTTOM of the league if, like the top 6, there was a bottom 6 - two automatically relegated and top two in Championship come up. Then 18th (Prem) play 3rd (Champ) 17th play 4th, 16th play 5th and 15th play 6th. More chances for promotion (also impacting on those who might get relegated, it not being a death sentence), league matters - higher up you get gives you a easier/ lower team in Championship. Likelihood is you'd have at least 15 teams still fighting til the last day to be in the top 6 or out of the bottom 6. Theoretically you could have six new teams in the Premiership one season - that'd mix things up a bit! Champions are still champions, worst team are still relegated - but invigorates the middle ground a little.

Poor half and something needs to change, but I'm not sure it's personnel. Warnock has had a mare, no doubt about it. But it's one half and I'd prefer him to stay on than have Hutton anywhere near the first XI. I might swap Clark for Albrighton/Bannan but not straight away - just to add a little more creativity. Bent needs to wake up, but that's kind of what he's like - he could still pop up and nick a goal. N'Zogbia needs to start playing the simple ball. Ireland is our best player again which is a definite positive - I must admit I was worried Chelsea may have been a flash in the pan, it still maybe!! Dyer is running our defence ragged, he looks very good to day but Warnock just needs to shut him up early and it will cut out their one real attack threat. I still think we can win this with an early goal and the right substitutions at the right times. But it's McLeish so it'll be Heskey on to get the goals....

Brilliant performance, ok sometimes we were too negative but let's not forget this is Chelsea so very forgiveable. However, it's also worth noting that this is pretty much the team the FANS have been screaming for since August; no Hutton and no Heskey. Heskey's injury and Hutton's red card (and Cuellar making it impossible to be dropped) forced McLeish's hand so not overly convinced on him still. Ireland however, easily best game in a Villa shirt - really hope he kicks on but he needs to be able to put these performances in against the Swansea's of this world, not just the big boys. Ok, it's taken 365 days to see a truly great Villa performance, let's hope 2012 doesn't take so long!

Too scared to lose. We'll either scrape a draw or fall to a defeat. 38 games, 38 draws = 38 points. 38 games, go for wins and say win half = 57 points. Rather simplistic but it proves a point. AMC is out of his depth and will never be a success here, I suspect mostly through his own ineptness but we have to admit, given his history both with previous clubs and his start here, it will be almost impossible to turn things around regardless now; people will just hate him. My brother and I were discussing this over Christmas dinner (although he's an Arsenal fan) and my Mum (who hates football) actually got involved - even she couldn't understand the concept of hiring a 'boss who had previously failed'. And that's as simple as it gets; we've hired a manager who has history of being extremely poor, defensive and taken teams down and given him free reign of our club. What did we expect? The blame lies with Lerner.

Better effort, but still don't really ever look like scoring. We didn't really threaten their goal bar the mistake for the 20,000 Premiership goal! I don't think it was an unfair scoreline, Arsenal had the clearer chances and were much more threatening when they attacked. But relatively happy, you will lose to better teams and we weren't embarrassed. Best news however is that Hutton got sent off so I won't have to see him on the next game!! No Hutton and no Heskey and we might have a chance of actually winning a game before May! And, whilst the tactics were a little better today (although was this forced through the injuries?) I don't think AMC reacted well to the pattern of the game and clearly doesn't know how to get set-piece defending set up. Arsenal had only scored once from a corner this season til today - but we all knew it was inevitable. Most worrying is we're all quite happy and yet we've lost another game and are slipping stealth like down the table, and the injuries and suspensions keep mounting...

This. People of the Apple Cult are yet to show me something it can do that a PC/ tablet/ Android can't for a fraction of the price. Best argument I had was someone saying "yeah but Apple made these apps" to which my reply was "you mean 'applications' which have been around since computers began?!" People bought in to a brand and are blind to looking at what it can actually DO. Although to be fair I'm now so anti-Apple due to people's hysteria I'm not even prepared to listen to any positives. I-phones - no better than Android. I-Pad - oh, you mean a tablet/ touchscreen computer Macs - oh you mean an all-in-one PC that can't transfer data properly. Apple - use our product our way not your way. Grr....

Kean vs. Coyle this Wednesday; one for the chop possibly? Ok, Kean would be swapping like for like but who really wouldn't take Coyle over McLeish without a seconds thought despite Bolton's position? People who don't follow football closely can be tricked by purely looking at a clubs position/ results. Those that watch more closely we'll see a managers tactics, the way the games have been played, the true pattern of a match (not just the score) and judge a man on that. You can just be unlucky. AMC has been incredibly LUCKY so far. We could have been seriously smashed by some of these teams that have narrowly beaten us 1 or 2 nil. We have have been appalling and everything about his management shows how out of his depth is. Unfortunately a majority of owners fall into that first category and are unprepared to see out a storm for talented managers going through a bad patch (Coyle) but willing to let a manager float by on mediocrity until it's too late (McLeish). More injuries and suspensions will hit and we'll see us getting more and more humiliated. Performances have been abject - even in games we've won. McLeish has a track record of poor teams, playing poor football, getting poor results. So far with Villa he's fulfilled the first two easily but managed mediocre results. When he hits his final target it may be too late for Villa to survive.

What is the lowest percentage of possession in a football match ever?! We must have been close today! We're not poor, we're awful and I've have much more respect for the guy if he just said "this is not acceptable" and dropped a number of players. Any manager who plays Heskey as a midfielder needs sacking immediately - anyone who plays Heskey at all needs a good talking too. However, as someone mentioned before, replace the name Heskey with Hutton in that above statement and you're still not far off! Hutton is probably creeping ahead of Heskey in my desire to see leave - least Heskey has scored a goal or so, Hutton does NOTHING right whatsoever. McLeish needs to go but Randy doesn't have the balls to sack anyone: MON walked after he let him squander clearly tight resources, he waited for Houllier to leave after later admitting the dressing room shouldn't have been how it was and he'll wait til AM resigns after relegating us. He doesn't have a clue how to run the football side at all - good businessman maybe, but rubbish hirer/ firer. Should leave before end of season list: 1) Heskey 2) Hutton (quickly going for number one spot) 3) McLeish 4) Beye 5) Lerner (lacks knowledge/ resources - where is Downing's replacement?) Most likely to leave before end of Season list: 1) Bent 2) Gabby 3) Bannan 4) Abrighton 5) Cuellar This season will be our worst ever in the Premiership I guess - points wise, but are there enough worse teams to save us?!