All last week, I wandered in limbo, swayed by arguments for and against regarding Roberto Di Matteo. I vacillated between decisive action and patience. Today proved the tipping point for me.
Faced with outside pressure for the first time, RDM’s Villa buckled late against Barnsley. Hitting the road again to face mighty Preston North End, Villa contrived to go into the break down 0-2, and it could have been worse. Surprisingly, it didn’t get worse. But it sure didn’t get any better.
It’s hard to know where to begin, so let’s let’s start at the beginning. Supporters will point to the fact that Westwood, Cissokho and Hutton were in the starting line-up. I can’t disagree. Tshibola and McCormack were not on the pitch, and Jedinak has been far from impressive so far. From there, nothing. Just nothing except meaningless possession. No urgency, no cutting edge, no bite, no creativity, no nothing.
Booed off at the half, and the redoubtable away support even joining the Preston North End supporters in chants of “You’re getting sacked in the morning.”
Hardly days of glory.
After the half, McCormack and Gestede were introduced, Westwood and Grealish removed, and Villa moved to a 4-1-3-2, with Adomah, McCormack and Ayew in the middle.
Unbalanced might the word for that set-up. Attacking intent? Sure. Clueless? It did produce some early momentum, and Rudy went close twice after the re-start. The game opened up, Villa with a couple half-chances, but by the 70th minute, Villa still had only one shot on target and Preston weren’t in any real danger from what I could discern. And indeed, they seemed more likely to grab a third than Villa did clawing their way back into the game.
Amani was introduced on 80 minutes. McCormack wide on a free kick. Still only one shot on target, and the ball in Villa’s half.
In the 94th minute McCormack had a penalty saved. Salt in the wounds. But a 2-1 scoreline would hardly have been deserved.
“You’re not fit to wear the shirt” at the final whistle.
All I can say is that if you can’t beat PNE in a must-win game, then it’s just not good enough. Surely there’s enough talent to have at least been competitive, never mind dominant. RDM can’t seem to settle on a side or a system. I know some players have been in and out. But you would have thought even last season’s relegation wonders could’ve put up a credible performance today. It didn’t sound like the players were doing anything to help Di Matteo, or that they’ve bought into what’s being asked of them.
Now, Dr. Tony has his first real tough decision to make. Stick with the patience line, and the one-to-two-season promotion plan, or draw a line. I’m guessing that Mr. Xia is not that happy right now, and for all his affability, is not likely one to indulge clear lack of progress. I don’t think Villa spent like they did with an eye to spending a second season in the Championship. Perhaps instant promotion was too ambitious given so many changes. Yet Villa surely can’t be given any other objective, can they?
Maybe it’s the players. But they’re what we’ve got and we can’t go get another side in. If anything, Villa seem to be regressing. I would never want to make things worse for RDM, the players or the club by indulging my own passions at the expense of the right course of action. But funnily enough, I’m not angry or bent out of shape. I’m dead calm.
Something needs to change. And the only change that can be made is the manager. Time to go, Roberto.
The Author
John Clark
John is co-owner of AVL, and has followed the Villa since the '70s. A journalist by trade, he is, by most accounts, a very nice person. You can follow me on Twitter @JClarkKohoutek. It's an astonishing experience. Or a complete waste of time.Comments 111
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Agree absolutely, players get managers the sack and this lot have done nothing for the manager, so he has to go.
John you suggest the players haven’t help RdM’s cause or bought into his method, have to agree. But who now, will Dr Xia pull off a master stroke? Eddie Howe??
Hello John- I concur, that performance today was the worst thing RDM could produce in the circumstances. I could be patient with Draws snatched from wins but non-football and no idea tactics nah he has to go, his squad bought for his tactics? what are they? sadly will the next man know what they should be? or will January see another group brought in?
Really don’t know, Archie.
I would think just about anyone could get more from the talent on hand. But it’s got to be someone who’s a motivator, can instill a system that fits the players. We just have no identity beyond the potential for scoring lots and failing to.
For the second year in a row we are he laughing stock of the league.
Yes he has thrown money at it, but so did Lerner, with the wrong manager in place we won’t be going anywhere quickly.
Pivotal point already for Xia!
Surely we got to get it right soon because we are quickly becoming a managerial grave yard
agreed JC
there isn’t much of a case for keeping RDM as things stand
He brought the players and spend a huge sum in doing so but he hasnt even got balance loet alone any method
perhaps he is confusing the players
The worry here is that the club sinks lower every day, and it becomes harder and harder to attract decent players and a good manager…why go to Villa?
Hey, Mark…
I think there’s enough talent. Probably bring in a midfielder, I would say, the Milner we’ve all been crying out for. Try for another right back if you can’t decide between Hutton and Bacuna.
Seems like RDM has had too many choices, can’t decide, keeps changing things and outsmarting himself. Maybe he’s trying to keep all the attacking talent happy, but I don’t understand Bacuna one week, Hutton the next. Cissokho then Amavi. Tshibola then Westwood.
Good to see you, chiefy!
Runtings-
I think he is confusing the players, absolutely. They can’t get cohesive because there seems to be too much indecision at the top. Pick a side, know your Plan B, and drill the identity into them.
Well said John, can’t argue with that.
Although there was very little managerial talent around when RdM was appointed he still didn’t register many approvals from the fans. i really don’t rate British bosses but Tony Pulis always does a job, i think he can save us from relegation and build a decent squad for a promotion push next season.
Finally, folk are assuming that RM and Tish were injured, if they were they shouldn’t be depriving Lyden, Green and Russian of possible game time, its noticable that they seem to have dropped out of the picture, just another negative feature of RdM’s tenure.
Its going to take a strong personality but most of all someone up to date with the latest use of stats etc as that is Xia’s vision for the club. Was never sure that RDM was in that mould, a Howe type would suit us, not sure if we are looking for someone to save our season more tell us who we are If Mr Round hasn’t decided yet.
Shame, but yes the results speak for themselves. RDM is in a precarious situation. I thought they might win this weekend, but have learnt not to be surprised at how poor Villa can be, disappointed but not shocked at result.
Big call for Dr X. Will it be surgery. Looks like the drugs aren’t working.
JC Bacuna was on 5 yellows
Paul,
The only upside right now is that if you’re being approach by Xia, you know there’s money and ambition. And you know you’ve got a good enough squad to work with in the short term. But I think it’s probably a move that needs to be made now before the rot sinks in any deeper.
Ah, thank you, Mark. That at least makes sense. Seems like just about everyone should be on five by now.
Trinity-
I certainly expected a win today as well. As I mentioned, if the players can’t do anything for Di Matteo but turn in another tepid performance and let Preston get all over them, then it’s not looking like it’s going to get better anytime soon.
steamer- the sad thing is the kids would allow a more balanced side to be put out, its not all about the name.
JC- tishbola was a weird call today and Amavi just getting back to form if both have injuries why put them on the bench, RDM is looking like a dithering Tinkerer
we are 12 points off automatic promotion so with the right type of manager in quickly we could still scramble our way to Christmas and then add for some much needed balance
pullis would give us a great chance from here but i am still hoping someone cable of installing a football philosophy can be brought in
I hope those that traveled to PNE salvaged something from the trip to enjoy. I have only ever passed through there once on the train to Manchester. It was a busy station.
Mark-
You never know, could definitely be some knocks, and the schedule is tough. It’s not been ideal for RDM, and I completely understand that many of these teams know exactly who they are and what they’re trying to do.
But…we have to have more ability than what we’re showing.
Agree John that there is enough raw material to be doing a lot better than we are. I still think the summer recruitment has left us with a weak midfield and thin to no cover in many areas.
We’re all assuming RdM is going to get the tin-tack any minute now, maybe he’ll get a vote of confidence ………..nah, he’s lost the plot.
I would be happy with Pulis.
Yeah, key players get moved around too much. Need to settle into a rhythm.
runtings-
That’s what I’m thinking. I would generally argue patience, that we haven’t been losing, just haven’t kicked into gear yet.
But I really have no idea how they could go out and lose like that today with all the speculation swirling. There either is no mental toughness, or they’re so confused they can’t play well, they’ve been switched around so much they don’t know each other. Or they want RDM gone.
Injuries have certainly forced lineup changes, and perhaps it’s unfair to expect more cohesion given the full first-choice team (whatever that is) hasn’t seemed to be available all at once. But we should at least be more resilient and committed.
Could be that Handily RDM had a promotion with WBA’s team? He used what was there as he did at Chelsea to good effect without buying in many. The allure of a champs winning manager much like Rafa was I think what got him the Job with Tony Xia. Trouble is everywhere he has gone and rebuilt he has failed, never lasting a season, that should of been alarm bells.
I truly wish we had Kept Garde, I think he would of sorted the squad out for a return this season IMO, maybe he would of kept a few of the better players too. He most certainly would of binned the crap ones
Paul-
The recruitment did seem a bit attack heavy, and we are thin in midfield, particularly. I’m guessing more was expected of GG and Westwood.
Had the same concerns, Mark. He’s just never stuck anywhere, and maybe fashioning a side from scratch was too much for him.
Steamer-
Agree about the bench. If they’re not fit to play, they shouldn’t be on there. And Pulis does get a job done. Not exciting, but we could do worse.
JC it Does smack of a rushed rebuild with the idea being with enough quality goalscorers we will overwhelm teams thus the 4231. RDM said he was surprised at the quality and organisation of the teams much better than his last stint 7 years ago
John,
Despite that your deductions are probably made a little bit in haste, I have to agree that this was the match when Villa had to be counted … and they failed miserably.
63% possession for most of the match and only one on target (not mentioning the penalty) says it all.
Problem is … no more signings ’til January … and who would replace RdiM as manager? Neither issue can be satisfactorily answered i.m.o.
Hello Chiefy,
Been a long time, hope you and your family are well, bet your taking some welly off your Burton neighbours.
JL- with the lop sided squad we have its a concern, Pulis likes tall CB all across the back line we don’t have them, we have no midfield or at least not a balanced one so anyone wanting to play 442?? if he goes it will have to be someone pretty special and unafraid to play the kids over established names
According to RDM the reasons for westwood playing over Tishbola, weird as we are going into a break
Asked why he had left Tshibola out, Di Matteo replied: “When you play three games in seven days… and he just came back from injury as well.
“You’re trying to maybe freshen up the team in some positions where you can and utilise the squad.
“We’ve done it previously as well.”
Mark,
In all honesty … *despite* today … I think we have no choice but to be patient and hold out ’til January. If nothing works by then, he will of cours ehav to go.
There is a team there – somewhere. They’ve got to simply grow up and take responsibility.
I agree JL but poor timing for a poor display
JL-
Not really made in haste. As I said, I’d vacillated all week, was actually coming down on the side of seeing him stay. But today was just a giant step backward.
In terms of rotating the squad, I’m sure it has to be done. Don’t know how much the sides we’re playing are rotating, just not that familiar with them.
And, yes, coming off an injury, you do want to err on the side of caution. Not saying everything’s been perfect for RDM by any means, but you just have to find a way to get results or keep results.
And of course, Dr. Tony may well stick with RDM, and if he does, so be it. But for me, it’s time for this team to start having an identity. If RDM’s surprised by the talent and organization, it’s not good. We’ve seen the promoted sides coming up and basically playing very well. They’re usually just short on PL-caliber attackers, but hustle, keep their shape and discipline if nothing else.
John,
I think we’re all agreed on the need for the team to find itself, and I rather expected they would do so today, for some reason.
But, John, what’s the point in calling for RDM to go … I just can’t see who would come in and make such a difference!
Evening Lifers,
For what it’s worth I’m firmly RDM, Clark and Bond out. I want Dean Smith and I’d be prepared to give a manager who cares about the club the time he needs to sort this mess out.
Watched some of the game today and the performance was by far and away the worse I’ve seen this year. This nonsense about ‘gelling’ has to stop. Whoever decided to let go of Veretout and Sanchez should be shot.
I just dont get. I dont think i know anything anymore. Was convinced rdm with clarke and bond would be able to coach us. But we dont even look like a team. How are we setting up, whats the game plan, tactics? Back to feelng like last season for me. Nmb to it and dont really care now.
Id like to go dean smith. Will see what the drs made of now. If rdm aint sacked now then he will stay for season unless we loosee everygame till christamas
Steamer, JC – long time indeed hope your both well
With the Albion ground at the top of my road it’s painful lol
should he stay or should he go ?
imo it would be a very bad decision to stick with a manager that has spent huges sums , is at a big club and inst anywhere near getting the best out of what he has
no tweets from dr x sound ominous for rdm
runtings,
Or maybe he knows what to expect if he does tweet.
Have to agree with you JC,
It is definitely time for RDM to go, as he has not really shown any ability to organise this team, or have a system that would bring results, and play attractive football.
His team is a motly crew of players who have had their time, and do not have the energy to challenge for the Premiership. What have Mcormack, Jedinak, de Laet really bought to this team. Elphick has been ok, but collected too many yellow cards, like the rest of his defence. A couple of the youngsters he has bought, have shown potential, but do not have players around them to make the most of their talents.
I have such sympathy with Gary Thomson, who commentates on our games, and gets so frustrated with the manager, the systems, and the lack of effort from the players, who do not have the legs to compete. I get the impression that the training has gone back to the bad old days before Remi. and I agree, if he had had the backing, and we had kept him, we would be looking at a very different Villa now.
So JL, no panic, just a realisation that the man is not up to the job, and I expect big Sam to be in the hot seat within the next few days…..
I’ve been patient and counseled others here on AVL to have patience as well. All I’ve ever asked for is that a manager be given a fair chance. Well, IMHO Di Matteo has been given his full and fair chance and things seem to be getting worse instead of better. I therefore conclude, however reluctantly, that it is time for our manager to be dismissed.
If we could bring in a new manager quickly it would be advantageous to us given that we are about to have the international break. I have no names to suggest, although I think it likely that it will be a “rehash” appointment along the lines of Steve Bruce or someone like him; although it would be great if we could manage it, I don’t think it likely that, given our current condition, we could easily persuade a Premier League manager such as Howe or Pulis to drop down and join us.
One thing that disturbs and puzzles me to no end is that I cannot understand how the purchase of Elphick, Chester and Jedinak could have failed so completely up to this point. All of us on this and other Villa blogs were ecstatic about the purchase of all three, and all three of their previous teams seemed genuinely distressed and heartbroken to lose them — in fact, two of them had been captains, while the third was very highly thought of. We all clamored for experienced leadership, especially the experience of leading a team into promotion out of this league — and every one of them fit this requirement. We knew that both Elphick and Jedinak we’re a little bit older, but neither seem to have exhibited a significant drop off in play for their previous teams.
So that leaves us with these two questions: were all of us, including management, completely wrong in our assessment as to the quality of these three players? Or have they just been very poorly led by our current management team?
What do you all think?
* were a little bit older *
Texas-
I’m with you. I was very pleased with Jedinak, and so far, he’s not been influential. A wise poster on here noted a while back that he was surrounded by energetic, bulldog-type players. Which, makes sense, allows him to play to his strengths. We’ve had him on an island.
I don’t think Elphick or Chester are bad. They’ve done a lot. And Elphick has made errors. Today’s commentary was pointing out the tendency to pass around and back rather than keeping a move going by pumping it back in, as well as a tendency to do too much instead of just putting a boot in and clearing the danger zone.
We were doing pretty well defensively to start with. We’ve not been getting thrashed. It’s simply the fact, I think, that what’s in front of them is offering no protection or assistance. Defending is a team game. And Villa don’t defend from the front. Everyone else we play seems to.
Paul,
Indeed, I heard the comment about the players looking leggy…Which is troubling. They shouldn’t be. Center backs like Elphick and Chester, especially, should be in their prime in terms of experience, positioning, and reading the game. I think Gary was saying something like that, you have to organize and play to their strengths. We haven’t.
Of course, as Jenny pointed out, if you’re full of fear, you do get paralyzed, basically, and the biochemistry works against your energy. Chester seemed to have more than enough for Wales in the Euros.
Andrew-
I hear you. I didn’t think we did bad business at all. I didn’t know whether RDM’s vitae was quite up to snuff, but I thought the backroom staff would have it covered, and that RDM couldn’t be an idiot.
Not saying he is, but he’s just not showing the courage of conviction toward anything. He may think we have the talent to catch fire, implying he has time to faff about figuring out his best side. But results, and performances, just aren’t backing him up.
I think all the attacking options have overwhelmed him, and the lack of midfield bulldogs is biting him in the arse.
Oh, and I think McCormack has plenty to offer. But as has been noted elsewhere, the trick is setting up around him to get the best out of him. Course he’s been injured the last few weeks, but with three, I think, 20-goal Championship scorers in the side (Gestede, McCormack and Kodjia), we’re obviously not setting them up right. The returns are too meager.
JL-
Indeed. When you call for a change of manager, there has to be a viable (and better) replacement. I’m not saying I’ve gotten that far. I’m just saying that what I’ve seen isn’t working. A win today would’ve changed my mind. Instead, one of the worst performances of the year. Regression, not progress.
It’s Dr. Tony’s money. He’s got to make the big call, not me. I just know that it’s increasingly clear something is not working. And there’s too much talent/experience for us to be getting outplayed by PNE. Newcastle or Norwich, is one thing, but PNE?
However…I will say that all the managers we’ve passed over the last few years like Bruce, Allardyce, Pulis, etc…They do know how to organize a team, make it simple, and play to strengths.
I’m not saying any of these three are the answer. But I just can’t see how we fail to do what other clubs do to us. Perhaps our players do need more time together. But we’re running out of time, we’re getting nowhere, and whoever we bring in isn’t going to do much worse than losing 0-2 to PNE, which could’ve been 4 or 5 nil, tbh.
For example, I’ve no doubt that Adomah is a good player. But his introduction to the side has brought nothing. It smacks of just needing/wanting to play him. Which, great, but his presence doesn’t seem to be part of a plan. Just seems like getting a purchase on the pitch.
Likewise, all well and good with Ayew, Grealish, Kodjia, Gestede, etc. But we’re too top-heavy, and can’t seem to find a way to play them in.
Rags-
Indeed. I’d be the first to say RDM hasn’t had a chance to bed in a proper first-team playing together week-in, week-out. And I agree about the taking-our-chances line and cutting out the stupid mistakes. But here’s Westwood getting caught in possession and putting the game, unbelievably, out of reach. And Westwood is as experienced at the top level as anyone. We should be able to score 3 or 4 each time out.
There just seem to be other managers who get more from less.
I didn’t get chance to see the game live and had to rely on Channel 5 this morning, thank goodness as I only had to see a highlights (or should it be lowlights?) version.
I have been one of the ‘give the man a chance’ brigade but there comes a point where you realise he hasn’t got a clue. I think Dr Tony has to decide how much he wants to pay to recover the situation. Allardyce sits in his villa pondering a return to management and he turned Sunderland round.
It’s a matter of the psychology of man management – remember Scott Sinclair? Look at how Brendan Rogers has turned him for Celtic. The class is there in places, with the exception of Westwood, and the right manager with our Jenny as team motivator could turn it round. As I have said previously, Villa needs to get the key player son long term contracts to take the club forward without the intrusion of buy-out clauses.
Who fits the bill? Who wants it on his CV? We can all speculate but the financial demands of the contenders and the view of the owner will be the deciding factors.
John: I’m afraid I have to disagree about Elphick — I think that by and large he’s been dreadful. He’s made some gigantic mistakes which have directly led to crucial goals against us. Tommy also seems to be one of the players who gets “leggy” in the late stages of games; in fact I’d argue that this is one of the reasons why we keep giving up goals so late in matches.
Chester, in my opinion, seems to be more effective than his Center Back partner, but doesn’t seem to be much of a a standout player either.
Jedinak started slowly as we all know, but then seemed to be progressing nicely as he demonstrated by winning MOTM a couple of games ago, yet in the last two matches he seems to have regressed badly.
I do take your point that we are not defending well as a team-wide unit, and it’s not entirely due to the failure of just these three players; with this point of yours, I completely agree. However, we bought these three particular players precisely because we believed that they would provide the critical experience and leadership needed to guide the rest of the team … and so far, it’s clear that this isn’t happening.
And it is especially worrisome when it’s the captain who is one of the least effective players!
Texas – is it perhaps the point that Elphick, Jedinak and Chester, having ‘proved themselves’ in the past are now content to sit with the relative comfort of a lucrative salary for the extent of their contracts?
Clive,
On the Sinclair “playing well” matter … when players go to Scotland they have an easy time for 80% of the matches. There’s really only one team in the Scottish PL and that’s… Celtic!
Remember our Mark Walters going to Rangers in the 80s? He was a star up there but when he returned to England it was not quite so easy for him.
Good moaning,
On the Elphick and Chester views, i’d get rid of both, absolute rubbish, one is finished and the other not good enough, but RdM prefers his signings however bad their performances.
Its not so much getting a new manager in as getting this one out, that’s how clueless he is, throwing the names in a bag and drawing them out is more preferable than RdM’s method of selection. I have NO doubt that i RdM stays for the full season then Villa will start next season in Lge1.
Perhaps it needs a drastic fall in attendances to show the Doc that its just not working with RdM, i don’t know what Rounds capabilities are, i suspect none as he has had numerous jobs and hasn’t stayed in any of them for long, but he needs to sort out this situation rapido.
JC and all
OK, so you want him out but we haven’t a clue as to who could come in and do better! Or, if we have thought of someone, what’s the certainty of they doing better at B6? VP has become a graveyard of managers this last 5 years and the last year in particular. To what end? Just how has all those departures helped our progress?
I share your disappointment in what’s happened so far, but I just cannot – cannot! – figure out any benefit in ejecting RdiM right now.
Who knows, it may still turn out OK … But I also agree that it may well not.
Thinking on it the best strategy would be to:
1. Let RdiM try to get the situation on the road until we hit December (2 months).
2. If the probation fails (and it might well) then appoint another, who would have a month to assess the situation in time for the January window.
On the other hand, an awful result at home against Wolves next match may well see him go without further chances. But I’m still trying to scratch my head as to who would be a sensible replacement…
Excellent article JC , thank you .
It looks like change is the only way forward because it’s not just the fact we are 19, it’s the fact performances are getting worse . Has the team belief in their leader gone ? It looks like it .
RDM was congratulated on buying not one good captain but three. What happened to the team’s leadership on the pitch ?
You just knew that penalty would be saved : ok it wasn’t going to make any difference to the result but it was just another ‘typical villa’ moment .
Lets see if the Docs comments about “fans first, employees second” is just bs.
John – watch Celtic v Man City and see the easy game Sinclair was playing!! OK it is not so hard in the SPL but my point was his manager motivated the whole Celtic team to draw 3-3 against the EPL leaders
JL,
By December we could be adrift, who wold want to sign for us i that position ? We need a sergeant major type, Warnock, Pulis and yes, Pearson to get these slackers fit and motivated.
And Shhteve McClaren has been mentioned with the job, Rounds mate, if that happens they can both foff.
Clive: “watch Celtic v Man City and see the easy game Sinclair was playing!! OK it is not so hard in the SPL but my point was his manager motivated the whole Celtic team to draw 3-3 against the EPL leaders”
I understand your drift, mate, but I think what happens up there is that their players are better able to get into ‘right’ frame of mind as their league matches are usually won. So when it comes to playing a big one like that you mention, there’s not a great deal extra motivation needed as the players are already ‘there’ to a degree.
That’s not the whole story, of course, and I may be over-simplifying it, but generally they have an easier time up there.
I’d actually like to see Celtic playing in a British PL (and Rangers when they get back). I wonder how they and their players would faire then?
Steamer:
You’re right, but the point I’m making is that going by our recent round of managers and lack of progress, would another appointment really make any difference?
I think we’d end up by getting frustrated with the next manager as well.
The point I’m *really* making is that I feel there’s sone ‘air’ that’s been created at VP that needs addressing to cause things to go the way they have. We expected progress after the last 5 years, but the same on-the-pitch errors are *still* going on!!
The error by Jedi yesterday, and Westy’s surrender later, were awful. This sort of stuff only happened last season, right?
Is it *really* the manager? … Or is it a something we haven’t yet identified?
Jenny: “Has the team belief in their leader gone ? It looks like it .”
Perhaps! But what’s your evaluation as to what’s *really* going on?
Is getting another manager *really* the answer? We seemed to be saying that repeatedly over the last 5 years, and when the managerial changes came, we didn’t get anywhere!
Morning John
The problem is we haven’t chosen the right managers for AVFC yet or should I say right manager , right time . Would RG have fairer better with a 60 mill e handed squad : I think so .
I spoke to Frem on Twitter who had been to the game . He agreed it was up there with the worst performances he’d seen . I asked him the Q as I was reading it was their worst performance to date . This surprised me – we were playing PNE and 10 games in ? Why ?
I share your disappointment with the merry go round of AV mgrs but I cant see any of our past five mgrs going onto better things – coincidence or evidence that they were right for the club maybe .
We came up against two of our former next gen winning team yesterday : Johnson and Robinson , reportedly the best midfielder on the pitch . I commented at the time ‘why is Lambert bringing in lower league young players ‘ when we have this talent in the under 21s. How would these two players have developed with our training facilities and being part of a premier league club .
It isn’t just Sinclair whose thrown off the shackles of AVFC , Clark got a 9 yesterday for his performance at Newcastle.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/10/02/roberto-di-matteo-set-to-be-sacked-by-aston-villa-this-weekend/
Sounds like he’s off in the next 48 hours then. No surprise. Yesterday’s display was another level of shite. I went as Jenny said, as did another 5,599 villa fans. And that what we get back ?
Bruce will be the obvious link. Rowett would be fun. Wagner. I think Deam Smith would be by first choice. Villa fan to
Just had a mental image of Steamer chasing Steve McClaren around with the pointed end of a brolly! Haha!
Frem: like you, I’ve been impressed with the job Rowett has accomplished with the Vermin. However, aren’t you worried about the response to his appointment as our manager being a replay of the McLoser horror show? I mean with the banners and protests and such.
Texas- There’s a completely different view towards Rowett than there was Eck. Mainly because Eck was generally a dire manager, and at the time, we should of been attracting better than him. The Scum connection I wasn’t bothered about, he was just a shite manager
Rowett is a Villa fan. He’s done a good job and we can’t exactly attract top draw at the min. He’d be welcomed no problem.
From The Telegraph link posted by Steamer:
“Villa will now search for a replacement during the international break, with Steve Bruce, Mick McCarthy and Huddersfield manager David Wagner likely to be leading contenders.”
Here’s my opinion — an apathetic “No” to Bruce, a somewhat desultory “Yes” to Mad Mick, and a certifiably thrilled “Over the Moon” if we could entice the German Wagner to play his music (pun intended) at Villa Park.
John Lerwill: I discovered this on the RDM Wikipedia entry: he won only 2 of his last 10 matches at Schalke — meaning of course that he’s only won 3 of his last 21 matches overall!
Somewhere along the line Roberto Di Matteo, who seems a very nice chap, has lost the plot. That’s a sad thing to witness, and I certainly hope that he resurrects his career someday. Perhaps a return to Italy might be a good move for him.
Tex,
Conte has just equalled RDM’s record at Chelsea of going two full games and not having a shot on target, we had one yesterday, it shows RdM’s philosophy about the game.
There’s a site run by a Newcastle fan “The True Geordie” and he does a complete character assassination of McClarens reign at SJP, its actually scary to see a 25 stone fan losing it, if SM had been in the studio i reckon the True Geordie would have been serving time now. Usually though its a good laugh, language is ripe though.
Dean Smith
Roy Hodgson
Sam Allardyce
Mad Mick
Rowett
McClaren
Huddersfield Jeerman
Marcello Bielsa
Tim Sherwood
Potato Head
Will it be one of these ?
Matt Critchley @MattCritchley1 37m
Colleagues at @beINSPORTS reporting that Roberto Di Matteo has been sacked by Aston Villa. No confirmation from club yet.
David Herd dead, he could wallop a ball as hard as anyone, RIP.
Steamer: I love The True Geordie guy!! I discovered him about a month ago and have watched several of his videos … he’s hilarious! And gotta love the guy’s passion!
Definitely, that’s what its all about, i’d sooner listen to this bloke than Lineker etc.
Steamer: You mean someone’s daft enough to suggest a return of Tactics Tim?!?! That’s just bizarre!
There’s quite a few out there who want him, can’t believe it can you ?
Texas:
Yes, I knew about the Schalke bit … but of course Villa took note that he’d (a) had promotion experience and (b) guided Chelsea through to being European Champions.
Those 2 things rather stood out on his c.v. and the Schalke thing might have been just a freak.
Now in my view, unless they take the unlikely route of Big Sam (and I don’t think he’s perfect!), I don’t think there’s anyone else available who has really got a flawless c.v.
http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/716749/Aston-Villa-news-Roberto-Di-Matteo-sack-Dr-Tony-Xia-takeover-announcement
Steamer: no, I can’t believe that some would want Sherwood to return. A gaffer devoid of tactical nous is exactly what we don’t need, for heaven’s sake.
John Lerwill: RDM’s CV was the whoke reason I kept advising patience.; he’d led teams to victory over Barca, Bayern at Allianz and Real at Bernabeu. Coupled with leading a team upward into the Premier League, that’s a CV with sone serious gravitas. However, 3 wins in 21 combined at his last two stops suggests that he’s somehow lost the plot … perhaps by losing confidence in himself and his skill set.
*whole reason
Texas,
I was trying to say “who out there has got a flawless c.v.?”
JL: well, you’re right about that!
Say, does anyone know if Sir Alex might fancy a return to management?
In case anyone can’t tell, I was being facetious with that SAF comment! lol
Jenny,
I quite agree with your points, but I simply can’t accept that all the managers we’ve had have had insufficient talent. And that sack, sack, sack is like a headless chicken going nowhere.
I simply wouldn’t be surprised if whoever we now appoint will also be out by the end of the season.
In other words, there’s something wrong about the atmosphere down there … is it the weight of expectation of this formerly great club on the players’ shoulders that’s the real problem?
I am also amazed at the number of fans wanting Sherwood back, but perhaps it was a group of guys in a pub somewhere, being in agreement, and then texting and twittering.
Out of those immediately available, only big Sam fits the bill for me, and he is a local boy!
Out of the top men in work, there is Eddie Howe, Karanka, and the amazing guy at Scunthorpe Utd, who are on top of another promotion push….. Wagner is also another one.
Matteo’s sacking, I am sure will be announced tomorrow, as soon as Dr Tony has got a replacement.
http://www.footballinsider247.com/fans-call-47-year-old-make-aston-villa-return-twitter/
Camoron wants him too.
Big no to Sherwood . Just when we thought it couldn’t get any worse .
JL,
I saw an interview with Dion Dublin earlier and he said that he’d spoken to several people who “didn’t recognise” the club as it had changed that much, Dion isn’t prone to exaggeration so it looks like all change over the next few years.
Steamer,
Yes. This is the kind of situation I’ve inferred … the lack of a club identity. They have been so subject to smoothie PR talk and lack of substance this past few years. At the same time the huge expectation the players seem to feel every time they put on the Villa shirt – and don’t know how to measure up to it. Hence, I feel, why this playing weakness has carried over into virtually a new team.
What is Brian Little advising I wonder? And BL must have had a say abour RdiM.
Just think Jen, Ray Wilkins in the dug out again inspiring the troops.
Had to laugh, read earlier that the Pearson row with the Chairman was because the owner had used drones to keep watch on training.
John, i think the Doc was overly impressed by the EC win on Di Matteo’s record and got carried away ignoring any common sense that may or may not been offered by BL.
That’s why i’d like to see a Director of Heritage at VP, the other mob made it up as they went along, imo its very important to Villans, probably the only thing we can shout about. Also can we forget the ‘fight like lions’ tripe, we’re the most gutless team in the league.
did anyone see that vid of juan mata with that little lad in the wheelchair ? bring a tear to a glass eye, well done jm.
why do our managers play our youth players?
by all reports jonson and robinson where head and shoulders above villa players, like last week heburn murphy impressed me when he came on v newcastle yet dropped completly from squad
Steamer…agreed, think the EC win likely turned his head, and in combo with the Albion stint, led Dr. Tony to believe he had the top- and second-level experience necessary.
JC The Doc said as much, The media launch in Hong Kong featured RDM as a Champs cup winner and he was eager to connect with the Chinese football watching public.
I do think the rebuild was to much considering the previous season or even seasons, to do it in two months and access 30 odd players and ship them out after the first and negotiate the first 5 games is a tough ask. Maybe not so strangely the team that went through pre-season looked more organised than the version revised weekly since then
worth a read and bearing in mind how much Villa are in need of an Identity RDM may be the last bloke we need unless we want a team of shirkers.
http://www.myoldmansaid.com/why-di-matteo-has-never-completed-two-full-seasons-manager/?
Mark…
Do think the rebuild was maybe too much for RDM. But necessarily for everyone.
I would like to think that if I’d spent so much time in the game and was essentially given a blank check I could pick nine players suited to each other’s playing styles, and make the “gelling” not such a big ask. Rather than just picking “best available this” and “best available that,” I’d be looking at “Great goalscorer, a bit lazy…I want the goals, but I need someone with a motor behind him.” “Great going forward, good crosser, poor-ish defender. If I’m looking for that attacking fullback, I have to have a system and players to cover the gaps he’ll leave. Do I have that? Is that what I’m building?”
I know it sounds too simple putting it like that, but you get the point. I guess the idea is, “I like a 4-4-2. I need a Kodjia. I need a Gestede. I need a Milner, a Makelele, etc.” ie, what’s the most effective 4-4-2 you’ve seen recently, what was the player mix, and which players are the poor man’s versions of those in the lineup you’re emulating. Follow a template, no need to reinvent the wheel.
Likewise, you’ve got Ayew. And you’re saying, “Right we want to keep him.” Why? And where does he flourish? Not just, “He’s good, we should keep him. We’ll figure out how to play him once I get in all these other attackers and let it sort itself out on the training pitch.”
It’s great to say Jedinak, for example, is a leader, experienced, etc., but what was around him in his best years? How do you play to his strengths?
I agree entirely JC, the owner of Brentford is a professional gambler that developed a format and made a fortune from betting on games he turned that into a format for buying players but even he won’t take a player unless he has been watched a 100 times, every stat looked at and in every sort of weather condition. He is then bought if he fits the team template. Time was against any real depth in the process, a bit of a fifa 2016 buying season, on the surface looks ok, at the team level not thought out. I blame this too for the lack of talent brought through successfully, a glance at Johnson and Robinson at PNE tells you a lot of what could have been.
Look at villa over the last 10 years mostly our dealings are about one mans opinion and yes without a thought to what made a success of the player. people were saying earlier about Brendan Rodgers and Sinclair but he bought Tekkers and proceeded to not play to his strengths, one of the best examples of buying a player because he destroyed your team a couple of times.
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A new post for your delectation!
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In short RDM bought a team that he thought could blitz the champs or at least that was the plan with half an eye on the future, Gollini, tishbola
Steamer – let’s have them all back : a team of McLeish for popularity , Tim me me as international relations officer , Roy Keane for pastoral care and Lambert as communications expert 🙂
I’m referring to the under 23 game AV happily won . Well played lads. But don’t spoil it by juvenile tweets about the handbags after the game . Yes it was feisty but focus on the win , not the stupid spats after . It’s called professionalism.