Finally the sword has come down on the manager’s neck.

The difference, perhaps, was that last night everyone appeared to be united. I even stated after the Hull City game that it was the end, that the manager had to go.

I don’t, by any stretch, think that what I believe has any impact on the decision, but I do think that when people like me – generally quiet, long term paying customers – end up ready to walk away, something had to change.

I said last night that it was time, that there was no argument for such a poor display against Hull City. Against Chelsea? You’ve got some argument as to why you might lose. Against a Hull team who were equally diabolical? That’s not forgivable.

So, after all the anger and upset, after record after record broken for the wrong reasons, Paul Lambert has gone.

Only one question remains – is it too little, too late?

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Matt Turvey
Matt is the owner of, and chief writer for, Aston Villa Life. He is also a columnist for the Wolverhampton Express & Star, appearing in the Kick Off pullout on Saturdays and the Final Whistle pullout the Monday after Aston Villa play, as well as every Thursday as a blogger on their website. He has previously been featured as a writer on Football365 and Life's A Pitch, and was a regular pundit for Sports Tonight TV on Sky.

Comments 167

  2. Paul Whiting

    Mixed emotions Matt because it’s too late to avoid relegation…should have been done when Pulis or Pardew were available, and now should have been left to the summer when there would be time to make a controlled appt…Lerner has a bad track record

  3. B6toBrasil

    Don`t dither Fox,there isn`t time to faff around.Sod long term thinking,just get a gaffer who will save us this season.Well done all you fellas and ladies who emailed Fox,it may have helped.
    COYVB.

  4. Tony H

    Ok everyone – no matter what happens – no matter who they appoint – we really need to send support to whoever takes over.

    Send money – buy shirts.

    Make them see this was for the best.

  5. runtings

    that’s a big relief – now lets see if the people responsible can do a good job in this department for a change please

    a low risk short term appointment prefered if there homework is not bang on for the next manager

  6. Frem

    It’s ain’t to late Paul to stay up. Our players will show fight now and improvement. They aren’t as bad as. They’ve been showing

    Sell out on Sunday and let’s get to the final

    Get Grealish starting

  8. B6toBrasil

    Good stuff Tony H.

    Agree Runtingz,a contract that ends in May with us safe would suit me,don`t mind as long as we stay up.I`ll have another cold one,get that fridge filled.Yiiiiipppppeeeeee.

  15. Matt Turvey

    Can he though? Took QPR down and Portsmouth too…

    I wouldn’t touch him with a bargepole but, hey, that’s the beauty of opinion – everyone thinks differently 🙂

  17. Matt Turvey

    Not sure on Laudrup either – reputation as a divisive figure in the dressing room and don’t think we need any more disruption.

    Truth is that whoever comes in has a mammoth task on their hands – survival isn’t going to be easy…

  19. steamer

    Sherwood is definitely taking over, been at VP frequently, pal of Fox, just turned down QPR, it all fits in.
    Full house on Sunday with a vintage atmosphere roaring the team to victory, its almost like 1967 again,

  20. Frem

    Ye, someone mentioned Laudrep last night and I said to him I’m not sure he’s the type of guy who get a team out of battle but who knows

  21. steamer

    Redknapps a cheque book manager, Lerner ain’t a cheque book owner.
    Sherwood is a motivator, kicks every ball and bloods kids, not perfect but it could be a good partnership, remember John Gregory, similar situation.

  26. runtings

    B6toBrasil 6 mins ago

    Yeah I`d take Rednapp…………………….to Syria .
    🙂 🙂 🙂 love that

    Karanka at boro for me long term – if they know there stuff they will try everything to try and get him

  27. Jenny Truman

    Driving back from puppy class – they interrupted the Chelsea game first I’d heard of it . Collymore said villa fans want Sherwoood – a big NO to Sherwood – too similar to Lambert IMO . His petulant outbursts and fiery relationship with the players is the last thing we need . Anyone who mistakes rudeness for honesty does but have my vote . Aston Villa is too big a club for Sherwood just as it proved to be for Lambert . Our players need someone with gravitas who they respect as a leader and manager .

  42. southwestvillan

    Lads and lasses it is actually my birthday today and i have just recieved the best present i just hope that we can appoint someone to get us out of this shit — Paul Clement anyone apparently was interested in the QPR job next few days are vital to our future.

  43. runtings

    if a manager comes in and shows some class he could stay in place after a takeover ? if it ever happens

    agree jen sherwood his very simular but more in your face about it too the press , worrying thing is early signs he is most likely to get the job

  45. steamer

    Mark,
    The thing is that he could operate at all upward levels or if the worst happened,the Champs. I don’t think they’ll go for him or get him but you never know. ( probably never heard of him ).
    Rafa wants to come back too.

  49. steamer

    The thing about Sherwood is the infectious enthusiasm, apparently he’s a very good coach too. I’d like to see a Villa involved in the new set up too.

  50. John Lerwill

    Paul W – not necessarily too late … remember Gregory taking over from Little *late* in February? Mind you, this lot have forgotten how to score …

    Jenny – the fact is that it may well be Sherwood. As Steamer says, his visit to VP was a bit too coincidental, plus other circumstances. I’d say he’s more gritty than Lambert and will get the players moving.

  57. Ree Khalid

    Evening All. Been a while since Iv been on here. Frankly apart from the opening 4 games of the season it has been really depressing. Iv stayed away from all Villa sites and blogs bcos it was all so pessimistic, and rightly so, but I hate surrounding myself with pessimism so I just stayed away. Good to see the old regulars still on here, hope you’re all doing well.

    So finally Lambert gets the boot and we have cause for a little optimism. Im ecstatic as Im sure most of you all are. Hull really was the straw that broke the camels back and the major media channels were all in agreement that something had to give otherwise we were doomed. The cynic in me did not expect Lerner to sack Lambert as he made that stupendously dumb move in giving him a new contract and would be reluctant to pay the compensation. I get the feeling that his new contract probably had a clause in it allowing that fee to be significantly reduced if we dropped in the relegation zone, so after the Hull game they had to move quick.

    Now I do feel optimistic we will get a reaction from the players, but we do need a good manager to keep that reaction going past the Leicester game. Sherwood is being touted now and tbh I wouldnt be against it as he has shown to be a good motivator which is what we need right now short term. We have enough quality in the squad we just need someone to get the players playing to their potential, which pretty much was Lambert’s biggest failing. I dont think Sherwood is a master tactician or has a great style of play, he is a bit old fashioned old school type of thinking which is strange for a young manager. Long term it might not be the best move but short term it may well be.

    Apart from that there are not that many options out there, one I think we should really consider is Glenn Hoddle. Iv always liked his play style and philosophy and he does seem to get the most from his players. But he didnt really have much success with Wolves in their relegation struggles. Although I do think we have a lot more quality in the squad comparatively, trying to play decent football at the bottom of the table is a dangerous game.

  58. Frem

    If we convinced Delph to stay because of new owners, then surely being in the FA cup and new owners on there way would mean we could get someone good?

    If that’s the case of course

  61. Paul Whiting

    Mark, the outcome is right but my point is the new manager will not keep them up. Everyone on here has suddenly forgotten that most of the starting 11 are shit. Apart from never ever letting Weimann wear a Villa shirt again, and playing Grealish instead, there are few footballing options to improve the team. Benteke has been a lazy shit long before he was dropped so he isn’t the answer. Maybe Vlaar instead of Okore is an improvement. Westwood and Delph are shit as are the 2 fullbacks.

  63. Mark King

    paul w- time will tell mate but you seen my feelings on the team today, we need organising on the pitch for me that’s paramount. the other sheep will get better with more confidence

  64. Jenny Truman

    Good to see you back Ree 🙂

    We should have known the “we will support Paul Lambert to the hilt ” speach from Fox last weekwas the dagger waiting to fall. Wasn’t he also the mastermind who gave him the four year contract on the basis of some of the worst results save for four flash in the pan wins which we will now be paying off.

    I have grave reservations about Sherwood – he has no proper managerial experience but the rise to caretaker manager at a club where he knew the players – playing for them and as coach employed by Harry. His total time in football management was 4 months!!. Haven’t we accused Paul Lambert of not being experienced enough in the Premier League to handle big egos and a club of this size. Tim Sherwood is even less qualified.

    Added to which, it was clear when he was in charge of spuds that he couldn’t control his temper. I can’t remember what the incident was when he was banned from the dug out – but remember thinking he was a loose cannon not suited to management yet.

    Our players have got through Culverhouse, Karsa, Mcleish, Keane and Lambert. I can see too much conflict with Sherwood and not enough respect for him. They do need motivating and they also need to believe the manager knows what he is talking about. Are they going to have the respect for Sherwood who has only spent four months in the manager’s chair?

    I may be over optimistic but Rafa Benetiz would be a good shout – and I know that he was considered prior to Lambert coming.

  65. Jenny Truman

    Oh and have just read that Sherwood fell out with Hoddle when he was a player, with Hoddle saying he would never play for him again.
    I would prefer Hoddle out of the two of them

    ST75 – might just join you in a drink – coffee laced with whiskey for me. x

  68. Paul Pears

    Remember my words…

    I am mainly a ghost on here…

    Tomorrow I will announce my thoughts on a new manger….although Jen, as usual may have stolen some of my thunder….!!!

  69. steamer

    Hello Ree,
    Welcome back with hope all the other ex posters return too.
    I now how you feel about lost enthusiasm, the events of the past couple of hours has hopefully changed that situation.

  70. @RonnieBiggs

    I must say from day one I never understood what Lambert was trying to do and why he was rated so highly granted he didn’t get much money but he did get some.

    He makes Bent his captain then drops him never to be seen again.
    He drops Hutton only to bring him back then reward him with a 4 yr deal.
    Lowton is 1st choice then gone.
    Bacuna is 1st choice then completely out of the picture.
    Grealish never really gets a proper chance.

    His 1st team and game day squad selections always mystified me.
    His substitutions whenever they were mad were too late or just down right strange.

    First and foremost he promised us exciting, attacking football and we NEVER got it.
    Funnily enough this maybe the best squad he’s put together and he gets sacked after trying to actually play football but picking the wrong time to do it. With players like Weimann, Hutton and Gabby the chief practitioners of the new Barca Villa, was obviously not going to work…

    That’s my too bits. Never disliked Lambert but never rated him as a manager and he just seems so overrated. Although I did have a chat with a Norwich fan after our 5 aside match two Sundays ago as I watched the Villa get torn to shreds on the bar tv and he would not let me say two bad words about the man after what he did for their football club. Did he change or just hit his ceiling as a manager, I suspect the latter although he did have quite a good first season at the canaries.

    Don’t really feel any malice towards the man but it really was the right time he got on his bike. Let’s just hope the new man can salvage the season. I still feel we need 3 wins out of our next 5 to have a real shot at survival.

    UTV!

  71. Ree Khalid

    Cheers B6toB and Jenny, good to see you too. I seem to recall you being a Hoddle fan too B6.

    Out of the 2 I would prefer Hoddle, not sure if hes in the frame though. Sherwood has the potential to be a John Gregory type figure, who was great for us when he first came, but could go either way.

    Is there any other genuine contenders or is it going to be someone out of left field?

  72. SuperBox

    I hoped/thought Lambert had enough to give Villa what it needed, a motivated and attack minded squad, within a limited budget, that could adapt to different formations making us less predictable. Sadly the wheels came off, and he had to go.

    I suspect we’ll see a short term appointment to the end of the season, lets not forget Lerner wants out.

  73. Ree Khalid

    Cheers Steamer, glad to see some optimism from all on the future. More than anything it feels like relief and a weight off the shoulders. I bet it does to Lambert too.

  76. B6toBrasil

    Ree

    Yes,you have a good memory,I am a Hoddle fan,and always have been…but whether he could do the short term inspiration to keep us up……I am unsure.You are right,the relief is immense.

  78. SuperBox

    Ian Taylor as interim boss anyone. I know he has no credentials as a manger, everything to lose and nothing to gain but apart from that the fans would love it!

  79. Jenny Truman

    I am actually relieved for Lambert’s sake – I said last night he looked broken and similar to Alex Mcleish before he went. Love him or hate him, it is disturbing to see someone going under like that and it looked like it was affecting his health.

    He may have been a great manager for Norwich – and was – took them up the Leagues – but as Ronnie says – Norwich is not Aston VIlla and the job was too big IMO.

    From what I have heard on the radio – Burnley were putting up a good fight against United and Leicester were spirited against Arsenal. This is something we lacked so the change – even if it isn’t the right one – will have a temporary uplift for the players and for the supporters. Its been a long time coming!

    Paul P – lets home my predictions are better than my gambling then !

  80. Jenny Truman

    Yes to Ian Taylor – he speaks sense – he is a great guy – he is Villa through and through – and our players would have more respect for him for what he did here than they would for Sherwood IMO.

    Only last week my post on The GoalZone page was read out which said “can you ask Tayls if he will come and manage for us as he talks more sense than anyone currently at VIlla” He was with Tom Ross in his usual Friday slot and he said after a long pause “I would love to get involved” and that came from the heart.

  81. @RonnieBiggs

    Relief for how long… I was a bit surprised by Droyd’s controversial piece but NOW is the time to see if this turns into a Solskaer type situation or ‘Woy’ when he went to Albion; let’s hope the latter and the new manager rejuvenates the team, the squad and the club at least for til the end of the season!!!

    UTV

  84. Ree Khalid

    One thing I was shocked about at Hull was the lack of fight and urgency. I mean Iv seen it before at Leicester and the home games against Palace and Sunderland but after a spirited second half display against Chelsea I thought we would carry that into Hull. The display was shocking to me even before the first goal. If anything the sacking should give us that for the next couple games.

  86. Andrew P

    Can’t see it being Eddie Howe or Ian Taylor unless Lerner has dropped the ‘must have Premier League experience’ requirement. But what do I know? I thought Lambert was a great appointment. Sherwood as caretaker seems most likely.

  87. Frem

    Stan on Talk Sport doesn’t want Sherwood. Think I agree

    He would like Moyes. Says we are great club, great stadium, training ground and new owners should be attracted with the new TV deal

  88. RichardS

    Lambert was a disaster – good riddance

    Tim Sherwood – really?? No thank you

    This board will have no clue who to employ to avoid relegation

    This is a serious situation and we need an inspirational leader to take over

  91. Heroes-and-Villans

    Now the sacking is sinking in im now more scared on who learner will employ now!!

    It looks more likely to me its burnley, lester and either qpr or villa for the drop.

    Dont want dyche, sherwood or any of that shit…..we need to be inspired. Id like a klinsmann or benitez

  92. Paul Pears

    I think our Jen would give more inspiration to the players than Sherwood, or most of the plebs being suggested so far. For me, and several others here, it has to be at least a Karanka, or someone similar. Maybe it could Shaun Dyche, or another promising manager, otherwise we need to look at Rafa Benitez

  95. Paul Whiting

    Moyes won’t come to a shit club like us…he’s been approached many times before and said No Thank You. The reality check here is that Lerner has made Villa unwanted by players and good managers…Dyche….fuck off, that’s just another Lambert, as is Howe.

  96. Frem

    Andrew- I suppose it depends on our finances and owners that could be coming in

    If Randy is staying for long term, then Dyche would be ok

    If we have new owners and money, then splash the cash on a bigger name

  97. B6toBrasil

    My relief,has evolved into anxiety about the next manager.I don`t trust Lerner with this appointment lark,and urgency is important,no faffing around while we conduct “dueprocess”.If Lerner goes by his previous there will only be 6 games left when the appointment is made.

  99. Tony H

    Let’s show a little class.

    Lambert wasn’t good enough to do the difficult job he’d been handed. He fell just short. It could’ve been different – as close as it was, the majority of the best fans in the world showed more patience than any other club would have.

    He was good in some aspects of the job and deserved the benefit of the increasing doubt.

    The tipping point came and the players once again let him down. After Hull, reasonable people thought that this is as far as we can take him. Nobody recovers from this point.

    So the only decision is that he has to go.

    I’m far from jubilant. As I wrote yesterday – we’re now about to be thrown out of the poker game. We’ve gone ‘all in’ on a winnable hand before it’s too late. Before we can’t afford the blinds and while we can still win enough to get back in the game.

    Please Aston Villa – please fate – let our next manager be a success. I was delighted we had an attacking, value finding Scot appointed last time – it just didn’t work out – as 99.99999pc of managerial appointments don’t.

    Every week, Paul Lambert did what nobody in society seems to do now – he fronted up and faced the cameras to take the heat for shite he was responsible for but which was mainly the failings of other people who can’t pass or put their head up or move for the ball.

    Surely we can all pay our respect to that?

  100. Heroes-and-Villans

    If lambert could work alongside a number 2 he could of sent him out to the media!

    Dont feel sorry at all for lambert. Paid enough money to be set for life….least he can do is front up.

    Players pissme off though, too much power and shirk blame

  101. B62 Villa

    As great as it is to see the back of Lambert, I feel it may still be too late, by about 2 years, but in this seasons scenario I say that because I honestly don’t know who we can attract, as they potentially will be managing in the championship. So I think the following are Non starters
    1) Eddie Howe-won’t leave his beloved Bournemouth with the chance of taking them to the promised land.
    2) Karanka(Boro gaffer) – As above and they both could be swapping places with us.
    3) Dyche – Will be concentrating on keeping Burnley up not us.
    4) Moyes – Just rebuilding his career in Spain
    5) Benitez – Won’t come for a relegation dogfight with no cash to spend
    We then get into the realms of the Sherwood ( who may not want to come in case we drop), Karl Robinson at MK Dons, Southgate , Curbishley, Laudrup just stated he is happy in the Middle East .
    In an ideal world we would stay up and appoint properly , someone like De Boer, but unless we are taken over, Dumb and Dumber are gonna choose

  104. B62 Villa

    Tony H
    If got little sympathy or respect for Lambert, as for fronting up in the media, I would give him credit for that if he didn’t trot out lame excuses, lies and sheer bollox, for example if we have been as excellent has Paul L. Continued to tell us, then why is he now unemployed and we are on the verge of going down.

  106. B62 Villa

    Frem
    WTF??? No way will Lambert be getting £10m and if he is this is yet another fuck up by RL!!!!! But we will pay for this, we as fans always lose out in some way.

  107. James Gill

    tony h
    sorry no sympathy for lambert he had over 50 million in 3 summer windows yet alienated bent 18m pound player ditto given hutton dunne warnock zog
    got paid plenty to do lerner dirty work now going to get paid more for his retirement cause he will never manage in england again
    short term manager to end of season only requirement now

  108. Jenny Truman

    Super box – Tayls for AM would be ideal

    Frem. PL will have been paid in excess of 10 mill for his time here plus whatever is in his four year contract get out clause – if there is one . He won’t have to worry about money that’s for sure

    Tony H / it’s a term of the sky tv contract with the clubs that the manager speaks to the cameras after the game . Given the huge amount of money paid it’s understandable . Part if a managers job is speaking to the media so I don’t think Lambert did anything deserving of respect as he had no choice .

    I do agree that the players let him down shamefully. The players he favourited were the ones who he couldn’t rely on in the end and that shocked me . As Pat Herd and Tayls said , they need to look themselves in the mirror and ask themselves whether they did all they could .

    We need a steady , safe and experienced pair of hands to take us to the end of season . No time for gambling on bright young things . Look how Pullis and Pardew have kicked their new teams into touch – two experienced if not the most exciting managers , but enough to safeguard the 100 mill tv money

    Wonder whether the new tv deal had anything to do with today’s exit ?

  109. Jenny Truman

    maybe the players weren’t loyal to the manager as they’d seen how he had treated the bomb squad / and numerous others . The “there for the grace of God go I ” thinking . Who knows . You never know , DB coukd be called back – 4-4-2 with Bent and Teckers up top to save the day . We deserve a happy ending .

  110. B6toBrasil

    Yes Jenny

    Experience, confidence,and respect from the players are the key requirmnets IMO.

    The players have let the club and Lambert down.A prime example is The Flabmeister,how he was allowed to put on that weight to the detriment of his game is astonishing .Yet he was not disciplined and was a first choice.So I have a hunch a disciplinarian will be employed,old school,but hey ,what the truck do I know?Goodnight all.

  112. Andrew

    Hey Villans, Gooner here that checks in on your club and Matt’s excellent blog from afar. Everybody got their wish. Hope it works out for you and you stay up. Villa in the Championship is a sad thought.

  113. Trinity

    Never nice to see someone fail, but things weren’t working.

    I’d go with Gary Mac. As Matt said, he did a job when Houllier was sick. He doesn’t stand for nonsence from senior players either, and he’s a fitness nut. He’ll make sure people are training and eating right etc. He knows the club and many of the players. He gets on well with Bent.
    The main thing is that he’s professional.

  115. Trinity

    Is it too little, too late?
    Probably, but the new manager might be able to motivate the players enough for us to survive.
    Now the fans really need to get behind the players. They’re going to have to play like they never have before.

    Fox and company must realise by now that it is not a good time to penny pinch. Villa needs both a good manager and effective and wise investment in its players.

  116. Andrew

    As someone who keeps a very close eye on the happenings at White Hart Lane, you don’t want Sherwood. Enthusiastic, yes. Tactics, not so much.

  117. Paul Pears

    The answer is very simple…..

    MON and Keane to return to Villa until the end of the season, remaining in their respective posts with N.Ireland, and the for Karanka to take over in the close season with a fresh start. It gives a good guarantee of Villa staying in the Premiership with a first class guy to start a fresh…

    Bent and Benteke up front from next week and a place for Grealish….!!!

  118. Paul Pears

    Brilliant piece from Mike Wall:T

    he times down the Villa singing Queen’s We will rock you….Ahhh the memories, now all I can think off is Bohemian Rhapsody.. So I re worked it and I know some of you Villa fans will hate me for being so negative, but honestly what else is there?
    We are a Premier team
    That is no fantasy
    Caught in a landslide
    No escape from reality
    Open your eyes
    Look to the fans and see
    We are the Villa, we need no sympathy
    Because owners come, owners go
    Very little highs, massive low
    Anywhere the Villa goes, doesn’t really matter to you, to you
    Lerner, just killed our Team
    Put Lambert at the head
    Left him there and now we’re dead
    Lerner, we trusted you
    But now you’ve gone and thrown it all away
    Lerner, ooo
    Did you mean to make us die?
    If we go down we will never forget the sorrow
    You Carry on, carry on, as if nothing really matters
    Too late, our time has come
    Sent Villa to their deaths
    You still have no regrets
    Goodbye Premiership – We’ve got to go
    Gotta leave you all behind and face the Blues
    Lerner, ooo – (anywhere the Villa goes)
    We don’t deserve to die
    I sometimes wish we’d never known you at all
    I see a little silhouetto of a man
    Lambert you scaramouch will you do the right thing though
    Passion and committment- severely lacking from the team
    Where’s the goals? Where’s the goals?
    Where’s the goals? Where’s the goals?
    Where’s the goals? – We don’t know
    But we are just a football club you don’t understand us
    I’m just a Villa fan from the Villa family
    Spare us fans from your Lambert philosophy
    Easy come easy go – will you let him go
    We are Villa! No – we will not let him go – let him go
    We are Villa! No – we will not let him go – let him go
    We are Villa! No – we will not let him go – let him go
    Will not let him go – let him go (never)
    Never let him go – let him go
    Never let him go – ooo
    No, no, no, no, no, no, no –
    Oh Randy Lerner, Randy Lerner, Randy Lerner let him go
    The Championship has a place put aside for us
    for us
    for us
    Do you think you can see this if you turn a blind eye
    So you pretend to love us and leave us to die
    Oh Randy – don’t do this to us Randy
    He’s gotta get out – He’s gotta get right outta here
    Villa, Villa
    Nothing really matters
    To anyone but us
    Nothing really matters – nothing really matters to you
    Anywhere the Villa goes…
    Written in despair by Mike Wall on 11/02/2015
    Like · Reply · 4 · 17 hrs

    Could even have the Holte End singing it by Sunday…!!!

  119. Liam Scahill

    Hi all hope you are well,

    Well we’ve finally growed some balls, Lambert failed like any manager would have at a club governed by absent minded penny pinchers.

    Football is about investment and scouting networks now plain & simple we’ve had neither for too many years but Lambert has found some gems to be fair to him.
    Id love Steve Clarke and Gary Mac as our mangerial duo.

  122. southwestvillan

    People many thanks for all the birthday wishes as I embark on another unbirthday with a somewhat fuggy head from last night, I just found some reasons to have a few drinks and on a school night but what the hell if you cannot have a drink on your 30th then when can you.

    Although the joy of Lambert going has dissipated it is now replaced by fear and dread, because I have no faith in Lerner and Fox to make the right appointment, I can still remember that feeling I had when McLeish was given the job and I hope history will not repeat itself.

    The problem this club has is that it is virtually impossible to make an appointment that everyone agrees with, we need someone with some experience of this league because we are in a dogfight of that we are certain, Paul Clement would have been ideal in the summer as it looks like he could step away from Madrid to take a job as number one, but to come in under these circumstances could be too much for someone who does not know the premier too well.

    We are a big club with fantastic support and given the right man these fans will get behind him, the players need to accept they are responsible for where we are now and start to earn those massive salaries, forget the cup we do not need it although a win is a win, but survival is our main priority.

    It is going to be a nervous time for all at Villa Park, the right man gives us a chance make the wrong choice and we will go down, over to you Mr.Lerner and Mr.Fox but choose wisely.

    AVFC SOME HOPE

  123. John Lerwill

    Mornin’ all,

    “Oh what a beautiful morning, oh what a beautiful day, I’ve got a wonderful feelin’ everything’s comin’ my way…” 🙂

    Well, the moment may be fleeting, but it does seem as a though a burden has been lifted. But the reality is that we’ve not moved up the table as a result of the manager’s dismissal!

    Now, who to come in… Yes, in the longer term we clearly want someone who can direct Villa back into the higher reaches … but for the time being, just getting back into the top-10 would be a relief!

    But I don’t see the Warnocks of this world being able to achieve what we desire.

    For the immediate – and urgent – short term it’s someone who can get the players off their backsides and to resurrect a sense of belief. The players are better than what we’ve been watching – it’s time for them to come back to life.

    I see Tim Sherwood as being able to do that (the short term requirement). But I don’t say that because *I* necessarily want him but because I’ve noted what Steamer said about him being feted by Cox at Villa Park. That suggests there may well be something happening there. The trouble is, I’d think that if they appoint someone it would be on a longer term basis, so if he is appointed I doubt it would be just till the summer.

    So I think that’s what the decision will be based on the short term issue. If a new owner comes in then he may well boot out whoever’s in the seat.

  126. Jenny Truman

    Morning all –
    Gary Mac I’d be happy with
    Bookies got Sherwood and Hoddle 2-1

    I share everyone’s fear -a big yes to Hoddle , a big no to Sherwood and he frightens the hell out of me . How can he jump in managing a massive club like villa with 4 months managerial experience . He may have been able to motivate the spurs players as he knew them inside out . Coming in to our lot who aren’t used to hard work – different scenario. But Glen Hoddle talks sense , has gravitas and will get respect from them. It’s so important they believe in next one from day one – we have no time for earning respect or gaining belief .

    Thanks Andrew gunners fan – looks like Poccitino is a breath of fresh air for your club and proves that his Saints wasn’t a one club wonder . I’d take him in a second – aaaaar

  127. John Lerwill

    Jenny,

    The thing is it has to be an appointment of someone to get an urgent response out of the players.

    I share your concerns but whoever is appointed he will need the fans’ backing to get Villa out of this mess.

  128. John Lerwill

    (Contd)

    What should have happened is that Lambert should have gone with Keane and that they should have sat down and found someone truly viable for the long term.

    The trouble now is that a decision has to be made almost on the fly, and in a state of real urgency.

    Again, the top brass are found wanting.

  129. Jenny Truman

    Listening to Darren Bent on TS . Good for him for not moaning about his villa treatment and describing it as “football is a matter of opinions”. He also praised his successor Benteke saying he was a fantastic player but lacking in confidence maybe . As for recall – he said he wasn’t sure what had been agreed and it was out if his hands but he was really enjoying playing for Derby and loving his football there. I got the impression he doesn’t want to come back and who can blame him. But he did say that AV were a massive club , with some great players in the squad. Well done Benty, you showed class there .

  130. DarrenO

    Hi Paul Pears, MON and Keane have nothing to do with N.Ireland 🙂

    So the coin was flipped, is the expectation in Birmingham that the position will be filled for the short term and to meet the challenge of survival.

    If so then for a rocket up the arses of our underperformers and someone to get immediate respect, I’d go for Gary McAllister

    In fact, if the approach is short term, then it clearly signals new ownership in the summer which would be an additional bonus.

    Welcome back to our Villa, now our energies can be focussed on being the twelth man, let’s lift the roof off all four stands and get our team across the line

    UTV

  131. Jenny Truman

    I see twitter Alan Brazil have misquoted him already by saying “DB says villa need a younger manager with fresher approach “. No he didn’t mention age he said he thought they needed someone in to try something different and freshen things up (stating the obvious really )

  134. John Lerwill

    The Future of Aston Villa

    What has been a concern of mine for some 12 years is that Villa have broken working ties with people of Villa experience and who know the score at Villa Park. Since John Gregory (and also GT), no-one has been a Villa man.

    I am not suggesting that it has to be a Villa man who is appointed as manager, but I do suggest that it is important to have continuity – as has been established at Old Trafford. You now see Ryan Giggs supporting their manager, and I think an Ian Taylor figure would be ideal to assist an incoming manager at VP.

    Trouble is, a new manager would probably insist on bringing in his own.

  135. DarrenO

    Hi JL

    I don’t think long term thinking is possible with the club for sale, it’s likely that a possible new owner would want to stamp their own mark on the team by bringing in their own manager. In the Doug Ellis style of ‘look what I’ve done for you’.

    I’d be surprised if that is the thinking but there are some great long term candidates available with huge European experience Spaletti, Tuchel and others such as Bielsa and Klinsmann that would be great to see in the hotseat. I’d hope for the removal of the prem league only criteria as this is limiting the options.

    As per my previous post, I’d expect this to be short term, so Gary McAllister and any AVFC legend with coaching badges as AM, it would restore the link to the fans knowing someone with Villa at heart was involved.

  137. Frem

    Jenny- definitely don’t want Tim but I can’t make my mind up on Hoddle. I really like him as a pundit, talks well and you can tell he’s very intelligent but would he have the fire to get us out of a battle? And is his football to intelligent for our players?

    Stan Collymore says we should spend big on a manager( Moyes) Rafa I’d love but I can’t see us doing a big name guy

    Would we pay to get Dyche out? Would he even leave?

    Then there is Redknapp. I see why people don’t want him. I think I’m edging towards Matts view on him now

    The bottom of the barrel. Neil Warnock. The old WBA manager

  138. Villalore

    Mixed feelings, glad we put Lambert out of his misery but can we survive? Good thing we have a week before the first of the ‘cup finals’ begin, hope we have someone decent in by then.

    UTV

  140. Frem

    When I’ve seen Hoddle speak about tactics and systems and creative players, our players would think he’s talking about nuclear physics.

  141. DarrenO

    Frem, Thomas Tuchel is the former Mainz manager, did really well, great reputation and a number of clubs are looking at him including Newcastle, with Newcastle able to think long term for their manager we could be missing out on an opportunity by aiming low.

    Aiming low covers Sherwood, Warnock, Redknapp, these are not good enough to get the turnaround we need in my opinion

  142. The Droyd

    £3 million payout (1 years pay), is an absolute result for Villa. There must have been a clause in the contract where we could sack him if we fell into the bottom 3 at such a stage of the season for one years pay.

    One of the main reasons, I didn’t want us to sack Lambert is that I presumed we would have to pay him £12 million in compensation.

    I think the club have timed it perfectly. You have to give every opportunity to the man they have given the 4 year deal to but he had reached a point where it would have been too risky for him to stay. Look at our next fixtures:

    Leicester h
    Stoke h
    Newcastle a
    West Brom h
    Sunderland a
    Swansea h

    It is crucial that we get a lot of points here. Had Lambert got the required amount of points necessary from Xmas to now then he would still be here. He failed and therefore there can be little confidence in us picking up any points against these teams with him in charge. He has failed to lift the side and therefore the crowd were against him.

    A new manager will have automatic goodwill from the players and the fans and this should give us the required boost going into these games.

  143. Jackvilla

    Benitez can be tempeted,he is running down his contract which expires in the summer,with a new Tv deal,he should get a sizable kitty to spend if we survive the drop.Tuchel is on gardening leave.Mainz have to be compenstated if he becomes our man coach.Remi Garde??an option too…he groomed most of the Lyon’s youngsters that are currently excelling in Ligue 1.He is unemployed…Those 3 are much more sensible options than Sherwood….UTV

  145. The Droyd

    Unfortunately there aren’t any realistic targets available that would inspire me.

    The ones with Premiership experience would be best suited because we are in 18th place. A punt on someone from abroad that has never managed here would be awfully risky.

    I share the concerns about Sherwood. He literally has no track record. However he does seem like the inspiring sort of character that could suit the relegation scenario and he does have more experience in the Premiership than many of the other contenders such as Howe and Karanka.

    I think Redknapp is a good manager. However aged 67 and having a knee op as well as being based in Sandbanks is far from ideal. He has never enjoyed a good relationship with the Villa fans so I think this one is a non-starter.

    Hoddle hasn’t done anything of note since the 1990s. He might be suited to a Director of Football role but would be another huge risk.

    The likes of Pulis or Allardyce would be ideal in this scenario but are unattainable. Warnock wouldn’t be the worst option if he gets JUST until the end of the season, leaving with a big bonus if we stay up. He always seems to have an instantly positive effect at new clubs before drifting into mediocrity.

    Out of who I have mentioned (there must be others) – if I was Fox, I would try to interview Warnock, Howe, Karanka, Sherwood and Redknapp.

    No-one stands out.

    I have no idea which one is best for our club.

  146. Jenny Truman

    Droyd – it would have been grossly incompetent if they’d have offered PL a 4 year contract without a get out clause seeing as they’ve being stung heavily in the past . Even AV couldn’t have done that and would have been advised . It wasn’t necessarily a “relegation zone clause” it could easily have been a simple “either party can give 12 months notice to the other terminating the contract ” I believe the media pressure – the tv deal – fans – and results flipped the coin – and even if we’d have escaped bottom 3 , he would still have gone . This makes more sense as it would have been too risky to rely on a “termination on bottom three” clause – we could be fourth from bottom for months and then results put us in it at eleventh hour .

    Their refusal to act earlier – inspite of our stats – is infuriating IMO. Here’s a stat they should have looked at – lowest goal scorers at this time of the season invariable get relegated . We are way below even record levels .
    Tom Fox has a lot to answer for – let’s hope the latest Commercial Director has more of a feel for football and supporters opinion .

  147. Jenny Truman

    Maybe do what we did before Gary Mc who achieved a remarkable 9th finish from a similar relegation bound position. Problem is GH had got them playing decent football so the ground work was done with DB saving us with his 1 goal in 2 game goals, Get Teckers back scoring and we can do this again . Ian Taylor in the dug out would give everyone a huge lift too.

  148. The Droyd

    I think the timing was spot on Jenny. The club have done all they can to provide continuity as chopping and changing managers is not the way to go. Lambert had done everything Lerner wanted but his record had ultimately reached the indefensible point. We are now in a relegation battle with absolutely crucial fixtures coming up.

    The worrying thing is the lack of quality managers available.

  149. The Droyd

    Gary MacAlllister did an excellent job when Houllier fell ill but was heavily criticised by the players after he left. Agbonlahor being one of them. I don’t think he is a possibility.

  150. DarrenO

    Hi Droyd

    “A punt on someone from abroad that has never managed here would be awfully risky.I share the concerns about Sherwood. He literally has no track record. However he does seem like the inspiring sort of character that could suit the relegation scenario”

    I don’t get this thought process, you dismiss ‘foreign’ managers for lack of experience but promote Sherwood who equally has a lack of experience in mgmt and in essence did nothing for Spurs beyond some Redknapp style soundbites until Pochettini came in. Management experience is the same regardless of what league you are in, the better the reputation/cv the better the manager.

    The decision on short term vs long term will drive the type of manager we get.

    The appointment is key so lets hope the right people not Ferguson are being asked to provide direction on this and this isn’t being left to Fox

  151. The Droyd

    Darren – I don’t understand how you can mis-interpret what I have written about Sherwood as endorsement. My views on him are clearly mixed. It is not endorsement, just pros and cons.

    I do think it is very risky to take on someone with no Premiership experience. Whilst Sherwood has only months of Premiership experience in management. He has a wealth of it in terms of playing and understanding. Therefore he would be a better choice than a foreign manager with no experience here.

    I still think we can do better than him. Appointing him would be a bit meh but not awful.

  152. steamer

    There was also a concerted effort to purchase and develop younger players who would provide a solid footing for the football club to move forward and enhance the value of the playing squad in the future.

    The BS begins, what next ‘a golden age for Aston Villa’

  153. DarrenO

    I didn’t mis-interpret, I did note that you had issues with Sherwood but to dismiss one set of managers because they’ve managed in a different league as if the EPL is something wholly unique is a very closed view and at the same time you clearly stated that Sherwood’s personality may be sufficient for the relegation scenario, I don’t agree that a personality trait is appropriate enough to give him the job. His track record certainly does’nt warrant getting the job. And I’m worried that is as far as we’ve looked for an appropriate manager.

    Playing football in any league is also the same, the only EPL difference is the pace of the game but that doesn’t provide any degree of comfort to me that it makes Sherwood a better choice then lets say Luciano Spaletti who is a winner and is a noted tactician.

    If Chelsea in their searches for a manager took the same view by dismissing foreign managers because they don’t know what Stoke is like on a Monday night then they’d never have taken a punt on Mourinho first time around. I know we aren’t in Chelsea’s position but the thought process could have been applied and who would they have picked from all the brilliant managers who ‘know’ the EPL.

    My issue is why limit yourself to one criteria of manager, expand the horizons if you are looking at a long term replacement, why not aim high and get a master tactician in as opposed to short term and get a British bulldog in to kick the players arses over the line.

    We want the same thing EPL survival, it’s crucial that this position is decided and implemented as quickly as possible but in the same way that we look beyond our shores for football talent, we should do the same for the managerial position.

  154. The Droyd

    Darren – I have no issues with your logic if we were starting a new season but at this stage of the season, in 18th place, I would be shit scared of someone with no Premiership experience coming in.

    It’s dogs of war time.

  155. Ree Khalid

    Morning all. Right now its all about focusing on the short term, how can we focus on long term when the club is up for sale? No point planning a 5 year plan when the clubs premiership status and ownership is precarious. So we need to get someone in to do a short term job until the summer and hopefully when we stay up to keep the club steady until its sold (who knows how long that will take). Given this situation, the most important attribute the new man needs to have is motivational and man management skills. We have a squad more than capable of staying up we just need them to play at their potential.

    With that being said, and the lack of time and choices right now, Sherwood is not a bad shout. He does not have a clue tactically, but is able to bring the best out of players. You know what you will get with him, 442 wingers and strikers, rigid, players working hard, not afraid to leave out big names, calls it how he sees it. The players would not get the protection Lambert gave them unless they performed. He will be a divisive figure no doubt but that is possibly what we need. If the players do their jobs right, we will get results.

    Long term he would not be my choice at all. He would ultimately turn on every player until he has lost the dressing room, then the results will suffer until his position becomes untenable. Long term I think we do need to go down the continental route of director of football plus first team coach, as clubs like Southampton, Spurs, QPR are getting into. It seems the logical way forward. Instead of changing your manager and footballing philosophies all the time, stick to the same footballing philosophy and hire coaches that can deliver. If they dont deliver, move on to the next one.

    Right now my preference would be Glenn Hoddle. But like Charlie Nicholas has said he would be crazy to want the job. I would not be against a Villa legend like Cowans taking the job. Whoever it is, they need a good team around them. This is something Lambert never had. Incidentally he did show a touch of class with his parting statement, like I said before he is probably as relieved as anyone.

  156. steamer

    SWV,
    Glad you had a good birthday, you ain’t got many left. ‘spose you spent that 20 quid you owe me on zider.

    Nice of Andrew the Gooner to pass on his best wishes, i’ve been reading the letters pages of the papers and there’s a lot of good will out there for Villa.

    Some rags are calling it fan power. look at the stats muppets.

    A difficult process this time, the top men won’t come within a million miles of VP and most of the experienced Champ managers have flopped in the EPL when given a chance, Holloway etc. Lerner also won’t poach so that really limits our choice and ends the talk of Rogers. Rowett may want to join a big club but IMO he’s not good enough and has no EPL experience. Fox really buggered up with his arrogance, will he apologise and admit he was wrong ? nah, he could have got Pulis a month ago, not now though. I know hes been ridiculed on here but i always thought Nigel Clough had it in him to be a quality manager at the right club, his dad thought very highly of the club and if he inherited a modicum of Brians genius then he could be perfect if we waive the poaching clause.
    Karanka for me though, not much chance but if you don’t try etc.

  157. steamer

    Yes Darren, when Houllier had his health probs it was McCallister who saved us even with a difficult run in.Those probs with players scare me though.

    Well the latest five year plan lasted two weeks, so what next ?

    Prandelli ?
    Could get Mike Phelan, he wants to be a boss, but a big gamble.

    Agree with John and others about a Villa connection, Brian Little has been player, manager and even worked on the commercial department at VP, youth coach at Boro so the full whack, he’s educated and loves AVFC, what other qualifications does a DoF need.

    The thing is that nobody attainable really grabs you, not even the top ones, apart from Karanka.

  158. steamer

    I never gave the implications of the TV deal much thought especially with regards to the sale of the club, could someone explain if it would alter Lerners view in any way or the asking price.

  160. Jenny Truman

    “Timing spot on” Droyd . No it isn’t – he shouldn’t have been given a four year contract on four freak results – the signs have been obvious for months that he’s out of his depth and our rivals WB and Palace have got in there early and have had time to gain momentum.

  161. B6toBrasil

    Morning Lifers

    I don`t get the Sherwood love in,but having said that he might do enough in the remaining games to save us.To me that`s all that matters ,the summer we can ponder the long term.Who can we attract on a short contract-say 2 years-knowing that if the club is sold they will be out?The ££££ in compo compensates that I suppose.

    We desperatley need a coach,someone to reinforce the basics,pass and move,FB`s tucking in and covering the CBs,how to take a corner,how to beat the 1st man at a FK,etc,etc.

    Steamer will we see our dream of Frank Riijkard come true?.Fox and Lerner have never heard of any manager that isn`t from the other side of Hadrian`s wall though.

  162. Jenny Truman

    I wasn’t aware that Mc had had problems with the players – but maybe it’s time to ask – who hasn’t had a problem with them?
    Tim Sherwood can motivate spurs players but then he was part of the spurs set up for years previously . It won’t be so easy for him and 4 months of motivating your mates isn’t good enough for our predicament. We need a good man manager and Sherwood’s 4 months does not prove that – no way can we risk our premiership status on an inexperienced albeit passionate hot head like TS . I can see fireworks in the dressing room already ! 🙁

  163. Jenny Truman

    Steamer – the tv deal will add to the attractiveness of the premier league investors future owners maybe . This should work in RL favour to sell the club – or us he thinking – hey there’s even more money coming in – I will have another go at getting the club mid to top – then remarked it as a top 8 side.

  164. John Lerwill

    B6,

    Well, this club was mainly built by Scots so you can see their logic – a little!

    I also think what you say about getting the basics right points to a Sherwood-type appointment as being the only valid appointment considering where we are in the league. This is the only area where I depart from Darren’s thinking – I do think in this situation you need someone in who is going to be more geared to basics, just in order to avoid relegation.

    Maybe such an appointment *now* may be a short-term agreement, just for this single purpose of avoiding relegation.

  165. Jenny Truman

    But isn’t it a double edged sword – with bigger money coming in , smaller clubs will ousted out with higher wages etc – I’d advise him to get out now with the carrot of the tv money for the prospective buyer as competing is going to cost even more .

  166. B62 Villa

    We all agreed Lambert had to go, the timing of it is where fans differ, a lot including myself think his sacking was long overdue, but now it’s done the hard part really starts. We have 13 games to ensure our survival, we are in 18th place and the new man will have the same players as Lambert, they need to start taking some responsibility and putting in some real shifts, because as bad as Lambert was ( and he
    E was god awful), they need to shoulder some blame and work hard to at least ensure survival, when we can sort things out long term this summer.
    RL and to some degree TF also need to take long hard looks in the mirror and should do everything possible to save our season and future.
    The immediate problem is Lamberts replacement, NONE of the early names inspire confidence,, the bookies list is long and varied, but I don’t think we can attract the calibre we crave, especially in 18th place with a seriously misfiring squad, no one wants to come here and be relegated. I’d love to have a Benitez, Klinnnsman, De Boer, Prandelli etc at our club but they won’t come under this owner and these circumstances, the landscape may change come the summer as long as we survive.
    We can’t look long term until survival is assured, so who can we get?? Some of the names touted are awful , I don’t know the answer but Randys track record scares me, I fear Trevor Francis rocking up singing keep right on!!!

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