Well then, it’s that time of the week again and I’ve not been around for a while because I’ve been really busy, so if I include a few things that have already gone, please forgive me.
Firstly, like it or not Alex won us the game with his substitutions against Fulham, and we dominated the match. I’ve not been able to say that for a while, but we pressed all over the park, closed things down, and we really looked good. Like it or not, it was his three substitutions, interestingly changes that the Holte End stated meant “he didn’t know what he was doing”, that linked up to win the game.
Of course, I understand why people don’t like him, and I get why he is viewed as not good enough or presumed not to be at least – I really do understand all that.
What I don’t understand is whilst people are quick to insult the manager or shoot him down, and they are entitled to, when he gets things right, people should be big enough to admit it too. If you don’t at least do that, then your argument loses all credibility, and starts to look more like a hate-filled vendetta. That might sound harsh, but it is true – would you be happy elsewhere if you were always called wrong, even if you weren’t?
New Signings Need Time – Time To Play At Least
Now on to Brett Holman. In typical Villa style, this kid has been ruined by some before has even put a shirt on. We’ve seen the odd Youtube video posted here and there, and some are giving their opinions on just those clips, choosing to still shoot him down before he’s even started.
I honestly despair when people are complaining when we don’t sign anyone, but who also complain when we do sign players. What do you want exactly, and what do you expect from the club? Come on – give the guy a chance before we judge him, and a fair chance too rather than just a few games. He might just surprise us given a) he has playing for big teams in Europe and b) players can play better in one league rather than another – just ask Savo Milosevic for his record after he left Villa.
Safety Is Here, So Don’t Panic
Even though we may not be mathematically safe, we are very unlikely to go down so, like it or not, Alex McLeish is going to be here next season. For us fans, our big question will be whether we are going to renew or not. Whatever your opinion of McLeish, Paul Faulkner, or Randy Lerner, the harsh reality is you will either continue to back the club despite our issues, or you won’t. If we are being honest, despite a poor season, things are getting brighter and there is some light shining through in recent performances.
So you will know now that nothing is going to change on the managerial level, so it is your choice on what you do next season. I propose a radical idea – getting behind the club for the whole season next campaign barring any massive disasters, and you never know, our support could be the difference we need.
I am actually feeling optimistic again, and it’s a great feeling to have, but I won’t get too excited until after the Bolton game – but I am at least looking forward to matches again!
Keeping the faith since 1981.
A Few Words From The Boss…
Winner Of “The Meat Fix” Competition
After a delay because our original picked winner had not responded via email, I am delighted to announced that Andrew Palfreyman, known on site as Andrew P, has won the signed copy of John Nicholson’s book “The Meat Fix”. I hope you will join with me in congratulating Andrew on his win, and I’d like to thank everyone for their entries.
Helping A Future Aston Villa Life Academy Prospect
As some of you may be aware, our academy is launching soon, and one of our candidates, Elisabeth Owen, is entering a competition to win the title of EasyJet blogger. If you are a Twitter user, you can help her win by tweeting (after 10am today) – I am voting @LizAVFC92 in the @easyJet #eJblogger trip to Barcelona bit.ly/zG0ZGe
Obviously any support for Liz would be gratefully received, and I look forward to introducing our readers to her later this year!
The Author
