jackbauer24

Hi General, Two Villa players have a go at management in private training session and get heavily reprimanded. Heskey goes mental on the pitch, making contact with an official and having to be substituted at half time "to ensure we kept 11 players on the pitch" but he's not going to be punished because he's good friends with McAllister? All taken from McAllister's direct quotes. That, in a nut-shell, is what is wrong with Villa this season and why there are so many divisions within our squad. You can see why certain players aren't happy here at the moment and it's a reason why we're around 4/5/6th from BOTTOM rather than top!

I would hope I don't need to say this but I'll put it down in writing. I'm sure the Villa board are fully aware of this: Please, please don't buy or sell ANY players until such time Aston Villa have released a statement saying that Houllier is/ is not our manager and we have a clear leader who will be at the club in August/ September. I think it goes without saying that there will be uproar if this happens as it will be seen as either Board interference, or extremely poor running of a football club. I don't want to get into the Ireland thing again, but we all know what happened there regarding 'who bought him' and that was much more of a complicated/ surprising event. Fans, and the greater public, should know who's in charge for DEFINITE before any players join or leave. Please don't carry on regardless with Houllier's signings if we're unsure he's staying, as even with the best intentions they may not be who the next manager wants. Again, see Ireland. On the flip side, players who may have not quite seen eye to eye with Houllier and the management team may fit into any new systems. Finally, banging the same drum: when do you think we will be announcing a new sponsor? Is it dependent on mathematical safety? And how confident are you that the sponsorship issue will not effect the shirt release date?

I voted no. And I voted no based on this month alone. To suggest Houllier's remit only extends from the touchline from kick off to full-time is remarkably short-sighted. Yes, he's ill. We all wish him well etc. But the facts of the matter are he appointed the backroom staff who aren't performing and therefore that effects the games whilst he's absent. There have been no sweeping changes to suggest that this is GM's Villa now - it's still Houllier calling all the shots basically, just in a diminished sense. Training will be the same, formations will be the same and he still has to take responsibility even when absent. Put it this way; if I go off sick as some more evidence of my poor management comes to light do I escape all criticism because the 'cover' was in that day?! It's still my work fundamentally and everything that has happened in April, regardless of him being ill, is his responsibility. If people can blame MON six months into the season how can you not blame Houllier two weeks after he goes off ill? And the last few games are still, ultimately, Houllier's responsibility - either through long term management failures or simply because he employed GM.

No. I don't read this poll as purely "Do you like Houllier as manager" but a more accurate "Do you like the Houllier management team" and for that reason it is an absolute NO. Him and the team HE CHOSE need to be removed come the end of May.

It is without doubt Villa's worst season since the formation of the Premiership (and there are a host of stats to back this up being discussed in the main threads) and, perhaps a lot more worryingly, the worst season a large majority of our fans will ever have known. It has been a disaster in every area and I hope the club address every single area or at least realise there has to be some tough decisions to be made. Even you can't blame MON for all this?! If Manchester United lost Ferguson a day before the season they'd still be a Champions League club at absolute worst. There are bigger issues than one man leaving and if we still insist that is the main reason then that points to why you would give one man that much power. Did you ever expect a season like this when you took over? Mr. Lerner took over and gave Villa a few years of hope, not success, but strong hope and we (and I) were very happy with where we thought we were going. It never reached the heights of '96 (League Cup winners, 4th and FA Cup semis) but there were some good points. But now that has been replaced with the feeling we didn't take full advantage when we needed to and that time has now passed. We were given hope but limited success, now we're given no hope and abject failure. We were never given the best but have been given the worst. For hope to come back we need massive (seen) changes over the summer. Start with a new management team, quick actions in the transfer window, new sponsors announced before the season ends and a new kit out on time to show we are learning from or mistakes. We should just about stay in the Premiership now, but it might well be a case of just goal difference keeping us up. We await Villa's response to this season as the next decade probably depends on it.

Absolute disgrace and yet not a surprise in the slightest. Whilst screaming at the computer I said they'd score in the next 10 minutes to get their equaliser - it took seven. Management didn't do anything about it. I then screamed that we weren't making enough of our 10 man advantage and they'd get a goal on the break - five minutes later that happened too. Pires substitution was stupid. Clark not Cuellar when points are vital in a derby game? Genius. **** shit season and the worst one I can ever remember (Premiership). Worse than any under DOL, Taylor or anyone. There are NO positives this season. Oh - and now lose to Wigan and we are as good as down. Think people got to complacent and assumed we were safe - look at the table, we're not. This management team and, to be fair, a lot of the players need moving on. Management - whole lot can f*ck off. Players, get rid of Collins, Beye, Warnock, Dunne, Reo-Coker, Pires, Ashley young for sheer arrogance and lack of effort, Petrov (unless he can start making decisions in less than 3minutes), Bradley, Salifou, Gabby (sorry, he's lost that initial spark and needs a fresh start - he'll never be a scorer here again) and obviously Heskey. Yes it's sweeping but the season is proof that big changes are needed. Unfortunately I'm now very concerned we'll be needing a draw at least on the final day not to rely on others to stay up. Today was sh*t, the season was sh*t and the future is sh*t.

General, Whilst I understand it may be impossible to answer this question do you believe it's a case of when, rather than if, Houllier returns? I fully understand it maybe weeks before that question can be answered and I'm certainly not asking for a timescale on his return given the circumstances just whether Villa feel it's a given that he will return as manager at some time in the future. I also recognise that doctors, family etc will all be part of that process but is it just discussing timescale on his return or whether he returns at all? I would ask, that when that question can be answered, that Villa put out a timely statement to inform the public of it. If it's a certainty he will return (not a date) please announce it as soon as possible to nullify rumour and instability. Thanks.

Whilst Stoke were appallingly defensive and didn't come looking for anything more than a point it is completely within their right to do so. Good teams can break this sort of team down, and then once they are finally chasing the game you take them to pieces. What really disappointed me today was the lack of any real drive at Villa. And it's not the first time we've seen that lack of effort this season. No-one really racing to loose balls or closing players down. However, we continue to stumble/ crawl towards safety and we didn't lose any points to our relegation candidate opponents. So we go forward to yet another uncomfortable game against West Brom. Friedel - 8 - Some very very important saves early in the match and kept us in it. Walker - 6 - Solid going forward, dodgy going back... Collins - 5 - Thump, slice, thump slice.... Dunne - 5 - As above. L. Young - 6 - Similar to Walker, really think he should stay Downing - 8 - Arguably our only player with desire in first half. Didn't deserve to be substituted and his response to being so cleared showed he thought so too. Reo-Coker - 5 - Beginning to really feel as though he's a division to high now. Keep giving him time but his passing and reading of the game is just too slow. Petrov - 7 - Solid. Does what needs to be done and keeps us ticking over. Won't play a killer pass, won't score a goal but won't make stupid mistakes either. A. Young - 6 - Reasonable. He still looks a threat every time he gets the ball, which can hide rubbish performances! Heskey - 1 - We might as well have played with 10 men. I hate seeing him in a Villa shirt, he does nothing. The only time he ever does anything of note is falling over and a trailing leg will accidentally pass it to another player! Bent - 8 - Does what we need - finishes. Has single-handedly kept us in this division Albrighton - 5 - loads of running, no end product. He's a long way from finished article and think he's slightly over-hyped by a lot of Villa fans. Agbonlahor - 5 - Nowhere near long enough to judge, should be livid that Heskey gets chosen ahead of him

Can you confirm that John Carew is no longer a Villa player? A few sources are now claiming his contract was cancelled. If this is the case why weren't Villa fans told? It's hardly as if he was a youth player that few knew - this is a fan's favourite! If this is the case I am a little disappointed with Villa, in both their treatment of the player or, if there were genuine reasons, why Villa fans weren't told. On a side note, despite being one of the many people who have called for a new manager, please send ALL Villa fan's best wishes to the man as he recovers from a serious illness. We may not agree with him on a footballing side but ALL fans wish him nothing less than a speedy recovery and I feel it's important he knows that.

Just to clarify seeing as that is quoting myself: I am NOT necessarily in support of any particular design. My issue is that the General has been asked several times about the kit in the last few pages (regarding issue date, sponsorship issues NOT design) and not answered it which makes me think there is going to be another significant delay with its release. I personally am NOT trying to 'force through' certain designs. However, whilst I'm here I kind of agree with you: to take it to the next level I'd like to see Villa/ Nike release a selection of Away kit designs and ask for fans to decide.

General, Can I ask why you side step questions rather than just admitting you are unable, or unwilling, to answer them? You've answered loads of 'one-off' questions in the thread (like the Prince William one) but fail to reply to the six or seven (including the huge one with pictures!) regarding our kit. This lack of communication leads me, and no doubt others, to believe that YET AGAIN the kit is going to be an after thought and much delayed. Can you confirm this so at least we know! Can I plan to give the new kit as a present to my nephew for his Birthday (in July) or Christmas like I had to last year?!

Spoken like a true bluenose. Get back up the road You obviously didn't read the rest of the post for context. Mind you maybe you can't read more than a sentence in a row. And surely, a Blose fan would say a Villa win was the worst result possible. I am happy to say I would forfeit a point NOW for Houllier out NOW. But that concept is obviously too confusing for you as you're one of those ever so clever fans who say everything is rosy and that everytime someone questions Villa that they must be Blose fan. Well done you oh great one.

WORST result possible. A win; well on our way to safety. A loss; I think we might have finally seen the back of Houllier. A draw and we keep the muppet and just hope because it's just enough not to call for blood even though the wound is still gaping. That was a very weak Everton team, we were as strong as we can be and yet at best it was a very even contest and probably, to be fair, Everton had by far the better chances. However a draw is about right; thanks to Downing and Bent's finishing. I really can't see us surviving. We're not taking chances when faced with weaker teams and those around us are picking up absolutely vital points - WBA are arguably safe now. It's so tight and we need to be at least 4/5points clear of the relegation zone before the last two games of the season. We look like a team hoping. The rest look like teams fighting.

Hi General, Any further news on Sponsorship next year? Without naming names, I assume it partially is hold until companies know which division we're in for sure? Any idea on dates that new Sponsorship might be announced? If we're waiting til the end of the season does that mean it will be effecting our shirt releases again? If it will effect things like shirt release dates, please tell fans as soon as you can - transparency is much likelier to be accepted then pretending everything is fine. I think most people would accept no company is going to pay the same for a championship club as they would for a Premiership club.

Hi General, Two things: firstly you didn't really answer the question I posed: you say you're here for the fans but in what way exactly if you can't really answer any questions that couldn't be as simply asked of the ticket office/ shop. Secondly, managers were asked what the most important thing was to be a top manager in this country. Of all those who replied, this was the response: 1. Man management skills 53% 2. Knowledge of football 27% 3. Experience 7% 4. Luck 7% 5. Tactical know-how 0% 6. Managing the board 0% 7. Other 7% I think most people would have to agree that man-management MUST be Houllier's weak point. Knowledge of football and experience, yes. Luck - well I certainly hope he gets a lot in next few weeks.

General, I mean this is the nicest possible way, honest I do; but what is your purpose of being on these boards and others like it? You can not talk about Transfers (rightly so), you refuse to talk about tactics/ team selections (again, reasonable) and you will never question anything about the team publicly for fear of press quotations. Thus it leaves your musings/ conversations from simple issues regarding merchandise/ sales to utter ramblings like what is your favourite colour! Surely these kinds of questions should be directed directly at the shop/ ticket office rather than wasting your time. If you want to see what Villa fans feel then simply viewing the boards rather than having a Q&A thread would make more sense than getting irate at Villa fans for being annoyed at the situation/ the manager. All I'm suggesting, General, is that if, by your own admission, you can not really talk about things that fans REALLY want answers to then wouldn't you be best serving Aston Villa dealing with other things (like finding a new manager?! Sorry couldn't resist!) I don't understand your 'purpose' as a Villa insider if you won't give answers to questions fans ask that they couldn't just as easily ask the ticket office with a quick phone call. I am asking this as a genuine question and is not meant as attack at all - What do you view your role on these boards as being? If it's just a fan then you need to be anonymous, if it's for evaluating fan feelings then just observe, if it's to give out Nicky Keye's number perhaps a Contact Page would be more time efficient but if it's as a route for the average fan to ask deep questions; what exactly can we ask that you can answer? Thank you

Rafa available? Great, sack Houllier and get him in. Your Nan's available? Great, sack Houllier and get her in!! There is NO-ONE I wouldn't replace Houllier with.

General, Really simple question; do you/ the board really think ANY manager at ANY club can ever reverse the kind of hatred shown towards him by his own fans? I've yet to see it in nearly 30 years of following top flight football. Do you think Villa fans will come round if we stay up by narrowest margin? How long do you really believe it will be before we're all singing 'Hou's Army?!' Can you GENUINELY see that happening? That's the key General, if any of above means anything to you then it makes the decision very very easy as regards Mr. Houllier's continued employment. It's now a case of when not IF with Villa fans.

The Villa board are right in their backing of Houllier. It is just a coincidence that Petrov, Young and Gabby have lost their form since GH arrival. It's also extremely unlucky for poor Mr. GH that also at this time Warnock, Dunne, Collins, Beye and Carew decided to lose all professionalism for the first time - Houllier couldn't possibly have been to blame for that. It was also not his fault that he signed Pires, I think an evil monkey told him to do it. The same one that informed him to praise Liverpool fans. The reason we're doing so poorly is actually the fans fault. We had the audacity to question the only person who's important at Villa - Houllier (did you know 'his' Liverpool team won the Champions League once he'd left?!) Some blame also has to be apportioned the board too I'm afraid. How silly of you all to spend nearly £30m in the January transfer window including smashing our transfer record. So, It's 6-8 of the players fault for suddenly deciding not to play well this year for no apparent reason. It's the fans fault for not supporting the team. It's the boards fault for spending a fortune on new players. And of course it's the Evil Monkey's fault for all the PR/ tactics gaffs. NONE OF THIS IS MR. HOULLIER'S FAULT AT ALL AND WE'RE LUCKY TO HAVE SUCH A GREAT AND INSPIRATIONAL LEADER. Thank you for maintaining your faith in such a man and we'll all be back next year to support Villa through all 42 league games.

General - one question can be answered in light of your position and makes no difference if it get's into the papers. A few posters have asked; Do we have contingency plans if/when we get relegated?

Player power is rife in football, it's not nice but it's the way of the world. Players will only play for a person who they respect. The big players at our club won't REALLY care if we go down, they'll pop off to other big clubs and leave us in the Championship. It'll only effect squad players really. Which is why I feel Villa MUST sack Houllier immediately. Player power, right or wrong, dictates that they will only put in the extra effort if they respect/ like the guy in charge. If you have a cr*p manager in any work place you can't be bothered to put in your all as you kind of know it's pointless given all the other decisions. Putting McDonald back in charge for a few games would keep this club up. The players respect him and want to play for him. Yes, Newcastle wasn't pretty but he at least got us a quarter of our wins this season in a fraction of the time. And who's to say players like Dunne and Collins might be able to play through the pain barrier to keep us up if they were doing it for a guy they wanted to see succeed. And maybe even Warnock and Beye might get a look in and not be frozen out due to ego, instead relying on youngsters playing in the wrong positions. And to make this reply a question: DO VILLA SEEK PLAYERS' OPINIONS THROUGHOUT THE SEASON, IF THE PLAYERS HAVE A GRIEVANCE AGAINST THE MANAGEMENT TEAM DOES SOMEONE IN THE BOARD DEAL WITH IT? It seems as through Dunne, speaking as captain, got punished for this previously. One or two players complaining - probably their ego/ issues (NO ACTION) Three or four complaining - big changes probably introduced poorly (WORD TO MANAGEMENT ABOUT MORALE) Half the squad unhappy, vocally or not - simply a rubbish management team (SACK THE MANAGEMENT!!!) Where are the players coming out in defence of the manager? Youngsters have to. But it is telling that Young, Gabby, Petrov, Friedel, Bent etc etc have not come out and said anything positive about the management team. Oh and just to keep in line with the 35thousand people yesterday - HOULLIER OUT!!!

This is a misleading poll as people are voting for him to stay despite wanting him to go in the summer I suspect. Personally I think he should GO whenever, be it now or in May. Go now and maybe we'll get the mini-honeymoon boost new managers get, go May and new manager gets full pre-season. Either way Houllier should be nowhere near this club come June. Regardless of settling in etc etc, no manager should take a team from 6th to borderline relegation in 6months. Forget all the other stupid things and that is the bottom line for me. Stand still, maybe, fall back a little, perhaps, plummet - unacceptable. All his other indiscretions just add fuel to a very big bonfire. Not joking, I would take any other Premiership manager over him and a lot of them would be far from desirable but everyone is better than having this clueless old man throwing in the towel - or even worse actually trying and still being useless! Managers are supposed to start well then tail off - he's not even had that! I might even consider DOL over him... well, maybe not but at least he had the good start!!

I don't suppose you'd like to put a rough ballpark date on when we may hear about any new sponsors? This month, before April, before the end of the season or well after it? If it's now public knowledge that FxPro have dropped us then we should be allowed to announce who the new ones will be. I take it that the next sponsorship is not fully sorted yet and maybe one of a number of companies but is there a rough deadline as to when it has to be sorted by so to avoid yet another year of shirt release disruptions? I would hope neither of these questions are unreasonable to be in the public domain.

Bit worried GH is getting ahead of himself with squad rotation and trying out new players - we need to get that winning mentality back that starts with back to back wins. No need to be messing around with the team because of a busy schedule yet. Why start Petrov on Saturday but then NRC today? Today is FAR more important than Man city game.

Where's December's one of these? I thought they popped up after the last available match of each month. We don't play again til 2nd Jan. Not that I'm going to be too surprised by the result! Wonder if it'll be in the eighties or nineties percentages of people against...