On October 12, Steve Bruce will celebrate his first year in managerial charge at Aston Villa. But it has not been an easy year for him nor the fans, and the team has been changed a good deal. Of di Matteo’s last team, only Hutton, Chester, Jedinak, Adomah and Grealish are survivors, and only two of those were at Villa before di Matteo arrived. Clearly, Bruce was not happy with what he found to be in place, though he had no option but to continue with the same squad until the next transfer window, the following January.
To say that Bruce has done a magnificent job would be an over-the-top statement, but, being the very experienced English player and manager that he has been, he did not take long to determine that attitudes at the club were not right and, one way or another, sought to change matters. There have been many arguments amongst fans as to whether the club should have taken the opportunity to rebuild from the club’s academy, and we will never know now whether that would have been the better way, but even if Bruce’s instinct is not to overly rely on youth, it may well have been that circumstances in the club were not at their best for that approach to work well, particularly given the Chairman’s requirement for promotion to be attained within two seasons of his takeover. Clearly, the Chairman decided (based on scrupulously derived evidence) that Bruce was the best available person to manage the team in order to satisfy that target.
Despite the occasional good ‘runs’ during the remainder of the 2016-17 season, and another heavy round of expenditure in January, the jury was still very much ‘out’ (from the fans’ viewpoint) on Bruce’s suitability. But, after a stuttering start to the season, some rhythm has been established.
How Bruce’s actions are to be viewed is, of course, open to be read by every individual, but I read it that Bruce has been disappointed by the lack of commitment from players in certain quarters. Among those would even appear to be Hutton and Adomah, who, when re-introduced, have clearly tried to raise their game. By the sheer expediency of bringing in fresh hard-working players, the existing staff have seen that they have to raise their bar to get attention.
And that’s how I see Bruce’s main achievement. The reintroduction of an honest work ethic that I have felt was disappearing before Bruce appeared on the scene. And so long as that ethic can be maintained then the target of promotion for this season becomes more likely.
To those who fear something may be being lost in this process, I share the reservation, but perhaps the proverbial kick in the pants was, in fact, the necessary thing to blow away the cobwebs before anything else could be attempted. We will see.
Meanwhile, may the club’s collection of points continue apace.
Onwards and upwards!
The Author
John Lerwill
I'm a Villan of more than 60 years standing and an occasional writer on Villa history. For me there is only one football club worth supporting, but I am now wondering whether I will again see anything like the pageant that was paraded under Ron Saunders or even that by Big Ron and Brian Little. My glass, however, is always half-full! Click here for my Villa website.Comments 83
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MK i think that train left the station. Rumor over here at the time was the Yank only brought in Tom Fox because he promised he could get us Wenger. Obviously he didn’t deliver, but he did give us a wanker in Riley.
Clearly, what I am saying is that rather than publishing our views about what Bruce should be doing (with implied criticism) it may be more constructive to understand the strengths that he does have and precisely the reasons for which he was hired.
I simply see no reason to criticise someone who is doing the job he was hired to do, not what we would like him to do.
Maybe it’s the chairman who should be getting the stick if we’re unhappy … but so long as the chairman can see we’re making progress I don’t think we’d get very far with that line! 🙂
JL, it’s my belief standing back and looking at the big picture, Steve Bruce was a safe option. No sense of adventure by the board, but they were already smarting from RDM not working out. Yes Steve is at long last bringing us some wins, some not bad ones, others atrocious. The big issue for us to over come, is the fact that we are still viewed as a big scalp in this league, and for many teams it’s like their cup final coming to Villa Park. Unlike the days of our dip into division three, where the large crowds scared the hell out of the likes of Crewe and Chester, these days it’s a brilliant day out for the traveling teams. That is some thing we have to bare in mind when judging any manager, it’s a tough gig and as we have found out not many are up for it. Time will tell if Steve Bruce is or isn’t, but lets stop crucifying the man until he has failed, if he does end up failing. Personally I hope he succeeds, I’d rather see us playing crap in the EPL than the chumpionship. And if struggles after promotion I will send Mark the bullet over and he can have the honors.
Canada,
100% agreed! 😀
But having said that I’m not sure many other managers would have got the work ethic sorted.
thanks Jl for the new article
Can’t argue with what you have written, Steve Bruce was tasked to sort it out and he has done that in a typical Steve Bruce way so far, whether that will be enough we shall see.
Where I differ is I think there are many good strong managers that can coach and integrate youth and would of seen more and got more from some of our players without it becoming purely about hard work. Take Jack Grealish for instance, he has never played in a team that plays football in a Villa shirt, he will never be a counter attack type player, to slow I’m afraid, so was everyone else until he played Kodjiah and adomah and maybe green. It cannot be coincidence that when they play things work, in the meantime I have seen Bruce floundering about waiting for Kodjia’s return. Given the option he would most certainly of spent big again this summer to replicate Hulls big athletic team.
If Bruce was truly cleaning house on a work ethic basis then Gabby and Richards should have been be out for instance, Gabby was truly still here in hope we could have some pace in Kodjia’s absence, Richards I hope because we have no takers.
I really don’t dislike Bruce , he is what he is, but unlike you I don’t think he was the only option or direction we had, I think like Canadian Villan the fault lies in the management for that choice and direction.
The biggest missed opportunity? failing to create a basis too go up with over two seasons, this should of been realised from day one, I cannot see us being in 9th next season as Newcastle are at present if we manage to go up, and if we don’t well that will be a disaster with this present squad. Its like demanding a Fight with the champ then learning to box when you get it.
MK: “I think like Canadian Villan the fault lies in the management for that choice and direction.”
But is there a “fault”? It’s the chairman that owns the club and presumably SB was recruited based on his criteria for which (we’re told) SB seemed to totally fulfil.
So, the fault is purely in our eyes, is it not? The chairman sees it his way and has a management team at his disposal to determine the grand future once promotion is obtained, so we should not in any way conclude (or despair of the possibility of) us not being able to achieve 9th. That is the future and in another scenario – not today’s scenario.
Good write-up, JL, and a fair one, I think.
While I’ve not been terribly convinced by Bruce, as I noted previously, I’m declaring a personal moratorium on how we/he got where we’re at.
There looks to be a starting XI that’s emerged and should be entirely capable of the remit. The team is playing with more energy and bite. We’re getting results, and not just nervy 1-0s. That’s progress—which is the only real yardstick.
Excellent article JL, and a very reply MK.
We really have reached the point where everything now hangs on what Bruce and the team can produce after the international break, and the ensuing results in October and November.
I will, and I am sure everyone else will , give him our full support, in the hope that we can continue to climb the league, and achieve the club’s dream of automatic promotion.
Only if he fails, will he lose the support now.
Fair article JL, thanks for the effort.
Good response chaps.
Meanwhile ‘War & Peace’ chapter 3.
Meanwhile…
Jordan is an injury replacement in the France squad.
Jordan Amavi not the river jordan
JL
Thanks for the short n sweet leader. Most of the “cobwebs” have been blown away, except, perhaps, Gabby and Richards.
IanG-was thinking when did Jordan (Michael) become French? Amavi is talented.
Mark
Been away a couple of days. Enjoying the music again.
Jl – we can only go on appearances and what we hear for guidance. RDM appeared to be the docs choice, championship and champions league winner for the big unveiling. Having got that wrong ( we will never actually know he was sacked prematurely) I believe he turned the decision to those he employed. His remark about Bruce being open to new ideas and it surprising him leads me to believe that he was not the 1st on Xias list but that he bowed to the selection process with the remit being promotion last season preferably or this. Long term planning was nowhere to be seen as a vehicle to Prem return. Just this what we have moneywise get us up. If we don’t know anything for sure buts that how I personally see it.
What Bruce’s selection didn’t take into account was his suitability for the squad he inherited to employ his tactics. I would assume it was on a footballing level thiught we needed defensive guidance to turn draws to wins . Sure there were problem players and attitudes and they had been noted and sidelined. That aspect has really only just been addressed with senior additions rather than ejection of the bad apples.
With the lack of club action, I suppose it will be all the more prevalent that we will discuss the state of Villa in this football vacuum.
Putting aside my deep hatred for Bruce (tongue in cheek, no need for emojis surely). This is how I read the Villa of this season
It appears that the opportunities that presented itself in pre-season to establish pattern of forward play and incorporate the use of Hogan and even McCormack given Kodija’s long term absence were wasted with a let’s get by approach until Kodija came back. Hogan a player bought by Bruce has been much maligned as not being fit for Villa despite his prior record and will continue to be so as all the eggs are placed in the Kodija basket for another season.
In defence, Chester took a number of games to adjust to being second to Terry in everything including the captaincy, to his credit he’s come good but a situation I believe was mis-managed by Bruce. While it can be argued that the captaincy is less important these days, there surely should be some element of earning it. We’ve been left short at left full so we’ll be getting by in this position until November.
Midfield finally has stability, Hourihane has won the battle for the forward link player, Adomah and Snodgrass established on the wings and Whelan protecting the back four albeit he could do with a rest as it is a busy role. Bit part roles for Onomah/Lansbury keeps midfield competitive.
And so to the season 1 win in the first 7 games and that was Hourihane playing further forward to support a youngster on his own in Davis against a poor Norwich side, it didn’t make good reading if the sole purpose is to gain promotion and within that there were no signs that the overall performance was vastly different from last season.
Step forward September and a run of winning games against poor sides, none of which will be challenging for play-off spots, within that a struggling win against park the bus Bolton that really needed creativity to break them down and he was sitting on the bench in O’Hare, which suggests to me either pragmatism or fear on Bruce’s part and if it’s fear then being at home to the bottom side shouldn’t hold any fear, if it is pragmatism then what can we expect in tougher games that may need more bravery in decision.
Undoubtedly from a poor start, we are now in a healthy position and it truly is a month by month outlook with October about to provide a sterner challenge. A run of wins can propel us up the league even further but equally this league can bite you and a run of losses and we are back to square one.
Stability and September saved Steve but we stand on the edge of a cliff right now and Steve’s pragmatism could make or break him in October. We’ll face another cliff in November and so on, it’s too much of a bumpy ride given the resources available to Bruce and that is my overall concern, not the what ifs of how another manager would do with these players but what is Bruce doing with the players right now. It is easy to say 4 wins how can you not be happy but to my mind the resources available could have been better used from the beginning and we could have established ourselves as a dominant team in the league a lot sooner. I guess I’m looking to be able to trust what Bruce is doing and the jury is still out for me.
Superbly written summary DOR, of the thoughts of many on here. It takes an eloquent Irishman to do it…!!!
PP,
Well, yes, but it’s just a view … without knowing what’s to happen in October and assuming it’s going to go belly-shape! 😉
What will be the reaction if we beat Wolves 5-0 I wonder?! In my view that’s an equally appropriate scenario.
… and I thought it was just Brummies that get cynical! 😀
DOR
spot on mate.
JL
You cynical???
mark
I think there was a lot that wasn’t taken into account, but they were possibly discovering [or uncovering] what was festering, & panicked a little.
But change manager for defensive guidance? That may have been part of the picture, but not the main reason.
I think much of it is well & truly in the past, especially as we more or less have a good team.
Is Richard’s contract up at the end of this season along with Gabby?
Hope
Jl- I would say of the two scenarios yours is less likely. The weight of evidence of previous good runs and returns from international breaks are against that imo. That said if the team returns intact and up to speed then a counterattack game could well bring success if our defence is as formidable as their record suggests.
I think we may see goals from both teams though maybe 3-2 either way.
Mark I meant a new team, wishful thinking appearing.
Wolves? well as you say it depends on whether we turn up.
I favour De Laet to take on left back.
No doubt pragmatism/fear will rear it’s head, but I really hope he has learnt something from the past month & doesn’t go into fear mode & pick Hutton as it’s not his forte.
IanG no richards is for life (feels like it) maybe another 1-2 years.
I think when you hand the team to a known defensive manager when it has the highest shots and chances in the league and decide it’s the letting 1 goal on average a match in that’s the problem you need shooting.
Thanks PP, IanG much appreciated if typically long winded from me 🙂
DOR- At least your wind makes sense, I don’t know how two people can say virtually the same thing and it look so different, oh yeah I wasn’t very good at English Grammar, thats it 🙂
Just read an article that praises the selling of Baker and lauds Chester and JT’s partnership as proof of a good decision? well no Taylor for three weeks tells me otherwise and the fact Bristol have only lost twice this season one against Burnley and both without Baker. 4 clean sheets 4 where they conceded 1 but no losses in 10 that he’s played, most conceded was in a 3-3 draw at Wolves.
so who’s gonna play LB? Delaet for me.
https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/2017/10/5/16429050/who-will-aston-villa-choose-to-replace-neil-taylor
MK: “I would say of the two scenarios yours is less likely. “
Of course you do! To disagree with me is in your DNA! 😀
But you were one of those who thought that recovery was totally unlikely at the start of September – or gave the impression that you did – so your continued distrust of Bruce’s approach is not a surprise really. I waged a lonely ‘war’ then if I remember aright.
I don’t seriously think that Villa will win 5-0 at Wolves, but a win is a distinct possibility. Perhaps a draw. But any idea of wiping off September as a likely fluke doesn’t rest easy with me, even though the opposition was less testing. Villa should have gained inner strength after the September run.
JL- woah there boy! 😉 I said that if Bruce was going to turn it around he had the best month to do it in regarding the opposition and so it proved, even then it was Adomah and Kodjia’s return that lit the fire, if they had flopped well could of been very different. Could of easily lost to Brentford, Middlesbrough a gift squandered and forest unlucky, B – yet to impress will be his school card for me.
Anyway john DNA? bit scientific for you mate 🙂
MK,
So you discriminate between spirituality and science as well, eh?
MK,
Actually, the general tenor of comment around here 3 weeks back was that Bruce seemed to be edging towards exit. There was not much optimism that Bruce would find a winning team and you were constantly comparing to di Matteo’s record.
Also, though Albert has provided a spark on the left, Green was doing more or less the same before he got injured, though perhaps not quite as well. It’s interesting that you seem to sing the oldie’s praises over youth?
dor
good post as usual
, hopefully houriane and hogan will start tomorrow night v moldova
mk
who ever plays at left back will do as long as its not hutton richards or gabby
JL- Aswell? so now I’m a serial discriminator? I give up shoot me I’m rotten through and through 😉
As for him edging toward the exit he expressed the same didn’t he? he certainly knew if he didn’t produce then…. he has even said himself that Adomah playing on the left was not something he’d considered and the first two games in September hardly presses his case. So of course it looked like he would ship out. As the team he has now played four times and won four times with appeared not by design things have swung for him. Not even Bruce knew his best team until it happened. Still as I said an easy month that won’t get repeated this season.
I am not Singing the oldies praises over youth, I put a team up with Green on the left adomah right and snodgrass behind Davis and Kodjia dispensing with Wheelan, an instant age downgrade. Also I have given up hoping O’hare or Doyle- hayes will get a look in or Lyden unless the bus crashes.
Adomah & Kodjia was good last season it will be this.
JG- its a lottery, I am hoping its delaet but you never know.
MK,
You argue your way out with an ease that’s a bit unsettling! 😀
JL,
” I thought it was only Brummies that get cynical……how long have I been posting on here, and what am I…????
I may have removed myself to Wales when in my prime, but I will always be a Brummie, and proud…!!!!!
DOR
Your post would have made a good leader.
Mark/JL
I can remember when people were complaining about Steamer and Frem being too negative and wanted them banished. Steamer and Frem were right. And now Steamer is missed. Fortunately, Frem still graces us with his honest views. Lucky for us we have AVL.
MK
My wind make sense, it doesn’t smell great though, ask my wife 🙂
Thanks JG/Lana – just putting my thoughts down in black and white, it goes thru a lot of editing before I hit Post Comment. 🙂
Agreed JG, love to see Hogan and Hourihane start, great interview here
https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2017/1005/910085-determined-hogan-ready/
Iana.
Whay everyone doesn’t seem to notice is that people with moderate voices very rarely post on here – except myself. 😉 … and JC is also more middle-ground. And r0bb0.
In other words it’s only the grumpy ones that appear to want to say much! 😀
Great article in the Guardian on England being work in progress, and Southgate’s comments about the team, and how he has a team which is proud to wear the shirt.
I found reading it that maybe England and Aston Villa are in a similar position. It is about grinding out results, trying to get the fans onside, and the team building a spirit that cannot be broken.
Very good interview DOR, let’s hope his dream comes true and he continues to improve.
JL
You a moderate? I’d think you’re more of a militant:). Seriously, guess it’s like polar politics. Extremes are easier for people to wrap their minds around. Moderates sound a bit wishy-washy. Not that anyone who comments here is extreme. Nor are the posters you name as moderate wishy-washy, mind you.
Isn’t true of the world JL, that the moderate voices are unheard so why should AVL be any different.
May out
Trump out
Bruce out
Iana: “You a moderate? I’d think you’re more of a militant:).”
Oh, yes, I do wage the occasional war in pursuit of truth, I agree, but I was referring to the p.o.v. on the state of Villa, not the manner in which we ex[press ourselves! 😉
JL- well I suppose if you don’t try and find a box to fit me I won’t have to head toward that chink of light where you haven’t quite taped it shut 😉
JL
‘Discriminate’? I think you’re mistaking it for discernment, but that’s positive.
IanG: “Discriminate’? I think you’re mistaking it for discernment, but that’s positive.”
No mistake. I use words that I believe apply. Discernment is a different angle.
Everything (it is said) comes from God, so those who infer that spirituality is one thing and science is another are (in reality) discriminating. God is One. No splits, no divisions. Just that there are many manifestations.
Jl- so if it all comes from god surely I can only discriminate once then
Purely a manifestation to control the masses
Mark
One of the best
dor
to your earlier post
mon out
keane out
away since 12pm home at 3 am to watch that horror show,worse than bruce ending up with 1 striker and us 2 up,no hogan or houriane ,puts mcgeady on and to top it off discovered fai gave two of them mon keane 2 new 2 year contracts
Good news on the tele front we are on 4 times out of the next 5 away games 🙂 worth the massive sky fee alone.
http://www.myoldmansaid.com/fourth-aston-villa-away-game-next-five-confirmed-sky-tv/
Looking at the fixtures if we are home and dry by april no problems but if we are in and around sixth then it will be one hell of an exciting month, what a seasons end plus maybe play offs
APRIL
2: Reading (h) – 15:00
7: Norwich City (a) – 15:00
10: Cardiff City (h) – 19:45
14: Leeds United (h) – 15:00
21: Ipswich Town (a) – 15:00
28: Derby County (h) – 15:00
MAY
6: Millwall (a)
JG
away since 12pm home at 3 am to watch that horror show
It cannot have been worse than the sewage served up by England the previous evening. Managers and coaches have so much to answer for. They are having a laugh whilst getting extremely rich at the average punters expense.
It appears that passing forward is banned. Instead play along the back line or backwards to keep the ball. When pressed, pass back to the keeper who can launch it to the half way line where you have to win possession again and then repeat. Under no circumstances play forward and attempt to score a goal. It’s no wonder people amuse themselves making paper aeroplanes. The stadiums start emptying and they wonder why.
To end on a positive note, Onomah scored a beauty for the Under 21s last night.
Plug- l don’t blame Southgate, as long as managers park the bus you will get boring matches, result driven football can only change with rule changes to prevent it and that’s unlikely unfortunately without changing the game forever.
Plug
As the opposition parked the bus, & Southgate had lost a load of players to injury & was quoted as saying that he had to pick players who wouldn’t normally be picked at all, at least we won.
Mind you I didn’t see the goal as my attention had wondered, but at least they kept trying however badly.
Have to agree with MK and IanG, with regard to England. I have already said that Southgate is in a similar position to Bruce with Villa, and having to overturn 30 years of poorly run an d managed systems, and he has gone back to basics, bringing players through the system, who want to wear the shirt, and be part of a team.
Southgate really wants to make sure he has a team that is eventually capable of winning the Euro’s and the World Cup, and that takes time, and in the meantime, you still have to keep grinding out the results.
JL, i think you’re a little hard on MK. I agree with MK, and it’s always good to have multiple views.
I dont trust Bruce. I hate his press interviews as he tries to be so nice and comes off as a faker. I dont want a nice manager, i want someone with balls.
Why am I critical of Bruce? Baker should never have been sold. I would have let Chester go before him. Davis was a fluke – Bruce has no choice and got lucky. He cant get get the best out of Hogan or Lansbury. Surely when Hogan plays we have to setup to suit his game? ….and last but not least, he signed Glenn Whelan
Anyway, I hope he does well in October, but my gut tells me we’ll pick up zero points over the month. I would like Big Sam to come in before we fall too far behind the top 6
Pete Faherty
What replace one dinosaur with another?
England are average. Kane is only world class player and he should be playing for Ireland as his dad is from Galway. Belgium squad is amazing….I think this will be their time.
Going back to England and the hype, can anyone seriously see them beating any of Belgium, Germany, France or Spain? I dont think England should even be mentioned in the same sentance as those exciting teams. There’s a gulf between the elite countries and the rest….and I even left out South America as I’ve only interest in watching European games
IanG – for me, Big Sam will not take prisoners….either give 100% in training and games or get out. I also believe he can play pretty football with the right team. Other option, break the bank for Tony Pulis
If I was to bet, Bruce will be gone before Jan 1
Pete: “JL, i think you’re a little hard on MK. I agree with MK, and it’s always good to have multiple views.”
Precisely. We aren’t getting any, though, are we? 😉
I am a lone voice here against about 10 while those that might side with me a tad choose to remain quiet.
But it doesn’t matter as far as I am concerned because I know full well that everything will be OK and all the ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ will prove to be groundless! 😀
Be happy!
JL, I respect your view….however if it’s one vs 10+…..most likely the majority is correct. I think you set yourself up for that one
But what do I know, Belgium just gave up 2 blunder goals….
Pete Faherty
Well half of Birmingham qualify to play for Ireland under the current rules.
They do say that the earth where you’re born is where you resonate to, so that makes Kane English.
But as me mam was a Higgins I always wish Ireland well.
Pete Faherty
I wouldn’t take your bet as Bruce has a propensity for making expensive mistakes, but I hope he gets us promoted if he’s still here, as we wouldn’t make it possibly if we have a change of manager yet again in the season [like last season] due to the disruption.
But it has worked out before at other clubs so all is always possible.
The doc seems not likely to stand for less than promotion this year from Bruce.
First impressions always tend to stick, & mine of Bruce were never that positive, & that hasn’t changed.
As he is our manager lets hope his qualities outweigh his more negative tendencies & we get promoted, & for that I support his efforts, & of course always the team.
JL
Whatever you do don’t start wearing a hair shirt!
Peter: “JL, I respect your view….however if it’s one vs 10+…..most likely the majority is correct. I think you set yourself up for that one”
That actually is quite a joke, Peter. It’s a bit like saying that because 1,000 people didn’t turn up to vote, the 1,000 that did and who all voted for one point of view are correct.
So I didn’t “set myself up” as you put because I didn’t think you would be of such a mind to see it that way! 😀
The fact is that it’s MK and his supporters who are writing regularly. The others are not and some have got fed up.
JL
MK & his supporters?
What are you on about, please don’t include me?
You can’t blame one set of views for all the ills on a blog, as all changes when other views are put forward.
If opinions depress people & are putting people off posting, the maybe they’re looking only to talk to themselves & those that agree with them.
Personally I welcome all views [& yours], but people do tend to get upset when someone doesn’t agree with them & that tends to narrow down what they write.
They can always change the subject, or stand up for themselves [hopefully without blowing up].
From what I can see MK writes about what interests him, & tends to be more sinned against than the other way round.
Provocative as ever JL.
IanG,
Yes, “his supporters” generally meaning those that lean towards doubt about Bruce, I mean.
IanG,
Also the nature of everyone is different, and what you and I might do another would not. So when it comes to fighting a corner it may well be that a number just don’t think it’s worth the effort.
JL
They can always ignore a post & post something else, hopefully without weaponising it, as that would be them doing it to themselves, same as running off, as it always follows one wherever you go.
There are few here who are falling out with you when you post that I’ve noticed, or JC or Robbo or Ian, or any of the ones who don’t post anymore, & they just post & have the craic without weaponising stuff.
We all have the space to express ourselves without policing everyone else
Vive la difference
JL
it’s strange, because I remember that not long ago I was being categorised with you as a Bruce lover for seeing the need for a little stability at that time, even though my opinion of Bruce hasn’t changed at all & I was clear about that, I was grouped with you.
Now thats gone & the circumstances have changed we are more stable, then we can explore more.
Except apparently on match days when it’s shit.
I also note that when the football is better, & the results, there are less eruptions.
If the football is shit then we end up in the pub.
Now where’s that bottle of wine?
Hey IanG
Just because I don’t post sometimes doesn’t mean I’m not listening. For the most part I’m agreeing with the flow of the conversation and can’t really add to the story. Being where I am and not getting a lot of games I can’t really comment on the quality of the play.
I, like lots of guys and girls are happy with the situation right now but really we should wait until at least half the season is done. Personally I think Bruce has been lucky with who has been pressed into service as the current form is due to the return of Kodjia and the surprise of Davis. Adomah certainly has helped but like someone said a while back he was possibly on the way out. I wouldn’t be surprised if Bruce sat down in a quiet corner somewhere and thought fuck me I never would have guessed that. So, 23 games in should give you a fair idea as to what’s going on.
Also, the accolades he gets from players as nice as they are, do you really think they would say “what a moron” to quote Rex Tillerson.
Ian,
Nobody is saying Bruce is a moron, but it’s obvious he is not very sharp. That’s why he is so nice during interviews, wants to get along with everyone. He has no self confidence to stand up and speak his mind like a Mourinho or Rafa. In my view he’s as poor as Lambert.
On a side note, Tshibola the tosser got sent off after 5 mins today for MK Dons…..really…and we paid 5M for him
JL,
Hopefully you are right, Bruce is the man. I cannot see it. I think he rates among Villa’s worst managers.
Let’s see what October brings…I know it will not be kind
Ok VillaMD I’ll revise that
Slow on his feet. 🙂
Gibbo
I used your name cos I’ve got a bad memory for the old lot.
Frem & the steamers would give him short shrift, & more.
I agree that we will know more probably by the end of the year, although the end of this month may give an indication,
I hope he cracks it & we’re promoted, but the doubt is persistent, & on the gut level.
Sometimes I wish I was a happy moron, but no on second thoughts sod that.
I will be willing the lads on to do it despite the apparent handicap.
I hope Bruce gets enlightened, but he isn’t yet [any more than we are]
IanG
A fine name by the way.
I don’t understand the assistant coaches. Don’t they have some sort of say in the matter when it comes to the game day XI? I would be concerned as to what type of coach I would be type cast to. Wouldn’t you want to be aligned with a manager who you think along the same lines? Or are they all plodders?
Ian
Yes there are a few not like that, but we haven’t seen one at Villa this century unfortunately.
You even get one offs like Big Ron, but the old school have mostly passes on, leaving pale imitations like Pulis & Big Sam.
I still wonder what Garde would have achieved in different circumstances
VillaMD: “Hopefully you are right, Bruce is the man.”
🙂 Well, – and I’ve said this before – I have never thought that Bruce is *the* man!
What my beef is (sorry Daisy) is similar to OV’s – that here we are, having a reasonable (and very promising) spell, and yet we seem to have completely forgotten the previous 5 going-nowhere years and give Bruce stick! In other words, there are signs – just signs – that we may be getting back to having a semblance of a good team but we don’t seem happy about it.
And while Bruce has his faults, he’s the man who’s changed the atmosphere at VP.
Anyway, I’ve said my piece ad nauseum. There’s no point in going on about it otherwise I might have more accusations of “policing” opinion on this site! That is not something I’ve tried to do other than to say to people here “why can’t we be happy that we’re winning and let tomorrow look after itself!” 🙂
Villa currently stand in their highest position since relegation. So we are on the up. But reservations about SB persist. For me, his defensive set ups went on for far to long with just 1 up front. OK for the toughest away matches but not the Hulls/Brentfords at home. I also think he didn’t make best use of the pre season where the opportunity existed to find his best 11. Another gripe is his over reliance on age/experience players. Surely energy levels will be compromised. Neither can I recall many game changing substitutions when we have been up against it. Most are fresh legs on the hour mark. So like most fans on this blog I hope he can keep pushing upwards and into P1 or P2 by the seasons end.
It is Dr X who will make the ultimate decision on SB’s future and not us. For those who don’t know, Dr X is a dragon. By that, I mean under the Chinese zodiac he was born in the Year of the Dragon. The Chinese believe that dragons are competitive, determined, astute, winners. So much so that Chinese women plan pregnancies to coincide with this special year that comes round each 12th year. Nobody knows when, but at some time in the future we are likely to see newspaper headlines “Bruce fired by a dragon”. Now then, what about SB? Oh dear……he’s a Rat.
JL- I think that if we did just be happy the Blog would die pretty rapidly, This is a blog about football primarily and I am willing to bet that you would get a few on match day and thats it. Add to that some like to read a bit of drama, my dad used to laugh his socks off at some of the posts on here and I chose to come on when he passed as he always used to mention it. Never bothered connecting with strangers on the net before that but one thing I’ve noticed it seems distance seems to bring forth judgements from people that would not be said face to face.
Nobody comes out and says much about Bruce’s methods either because most don’t like them or they think they can see a better way and when compared to other teams/managers wonder what could of been. To you thats pointless, to others its enjoyable to ponder.
As for people not posting, well I have seen the positive posts drive quite a few away too, you cannot honestly say Steamer, B62, runtings would be singing Bruce’s praises.
I have no problem with so called positive posts other than sometimes they seem quite often written with a certainty that their view is the correct one these days and that anything else is anti Villa.
MK: “I think that if we did just be happy the Blog would die pretty rapidly,”
I don’t agree. There’s plenty to talk about without it being a Chat About Bruce show! 😀
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Anyhow, there’s a new article up for your dilectation…
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