Well it’s hardly a surprise, but it looks like Bruce will be announced as our latest manager tomorrow, with Keith Bertschin, Stephen Clemence and Gary Walsh joining the background staff, according to the Telegraph;
www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/10/11/aston-villa-to-appoint-steve-bruce-as-manager-on-wednesday/
The Beeb are running the story too.
Seeing as I tend to call most stuff wrong, I’m going to blow my own trumpet and say “I told you so”.
Not that it means much, as it was looking more obvious by the day, wasn’t it?
So on the assumption that the story is correct (and there’s no reason to think it isn’t, except the Telegraph actually says “within the next 48 hours”), I’m going to make a plea.
I realise that while there are many that support Bruce being our next manager, I also accept that there is a sizeable minority that don’t and will quite simply never accept him because he was once at Blues.
Without wishing to upset those who don’t like him, I have to say I think it’s just pathetic.
I’m not going to go into the ins and outs, but for me, it’s summed up easily.
He hasn’t been near our neighbours for 9 years.
And he’s got promotion from the Championship 4 times.
That latter point is enough for me in itself and I believe he’s simply the best man for the job that’s required at the moment.
I’m not saying we have a love-in and make the bloke a messiah.
Indeed, as far as I’m concerned if he gets us promoted and proves dodgy in the Prem, I’ll probably be one of the first calling for his head.
But for now, we need to get behind the bloke and give him a proper chance to get us back to the Prem.
Most of us knew that RDM was the wrong bloke for the job and similarly, I believe most of us know that Bruce is the best bet of bouncing straight back up, as much as some of us might not want to admit it.
What we need to do is give Bruce a few weeks at least, same as we did for RDM. Hell, I’d like to give him a lot longer than that, because I know he will at least set the players up properly and have them drilled, even if results don’t come instantly.
Basically what I’m saying is we’ve seen that we have a panicky squad that needs settling.
There will be no chance of that happening if we’re getting on Bruce’s back from the off.
I see James Chester was saying what a knowledgeable bunch of fans we are.
You know it makes sense.
For you younger supporters, you might need a nudge as to what the headline’s about.
Just replace the word “Peace” with “Bruce”;
As it happens, I remember we used to sing the words “All we are saying is give us a goal” to that tune.
Things don’t really change that much do they?
I was told by a good source that it was Chris Samuelson who was responsible for bringing in RDM, they are both Swiss by birth and apparently close friends. Samuelson tried to bring him in as Reading manager during his time there but the chairman wouldn’t buy it, he also tried to get him the managers job at another club he was involved in but I can’t remember which. He certainly loves RDM, but thankfully both have now left our club!!
That’s interesting Dave – didn’t know Samuelson had gone. Was always a bit wary as he was responsible (so I understand) for introducing the Russian owner to Reading that subsequently ‘disappeared’ leaving them in the sh1t.
http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=7521382
Seems to be a bit of a doubt over how involved he was Hitchens, I was told he is/was great friends with RDM and was definitely behind him getting the Villa job, probably wowed Dr. Tony with his Chelsea champs league win!!
I suspect you’re right Dave.
Samuelson was probably just one of those “enablers”, who has connections and gets paid a boatload of money for basically doing not a lot.
Spawny Git.
Thanks Ardent, Dave. Agree with Badger on this
I see the 4,365 allocation for Reading has sold out.
Brilliant support and it makes you wonder how many would go if it wasn’t limited.
“Earlier in the day he met the canteen employees, exchanged pleasantries with the reception staff and settled into his new surroundings with ease.”
Bodes well.
We never heard anything like this about RDM.
I wonder what the tea lady thinks?
I wonder what he thought about the tea???
What a great interview! Ticked all the right boxes for me.
His was so positive too, just hope it rubs off on the players.
Kind of looking forward to Saturday now
UTV
First thing SB does is say “It’s a clean slate, and he can’t rule out a Gabby comeback.”
Look Steve, just throw the book at him, the one with the diet you have been on. And if you’re up for a laugh – send him to your hairdressser.
OLL, you never fail to make me smile/laugh with your comments mate 🙂
Ever fancied writing on here?, as I think you’d be good at it.
I’d kick Gabby out in a heartbeat, but it is only fair that Bruce takes a look at him.
Fwiw, I don’t think Gabby will get very far in trying to dominate anything under Bruce, as he’ll suss him out quickly.
Again fwiw, I think Bruce will see that Gabby at best, is a one trick pony with his pace, who has lost that trick and won’t retrieve it.
He’ll be bombed out if we can find anyone mug enough to take him on half the stupid wages that Lambert gave him.
That contract stunk to high heaven and I’d love to know what really went on there (bung? surely not?).
Maybe it is worth looking at gabby again especially in derby games where he’s always done well. Bottom line is the strikers we have now are barely setting the world alight. Gestede imo is our best striker at the moment and should be first choice. The rest are mediocre. Ayew couldn’t hit a barn door, McCormack you barely notice he is in the pitch, kodga is ok in flashes.
What else could Bruce say (about Gabby) publicly; ‘OK guy’s I’ve already got my Villa bomb squad list together’!
Bruce is no mug and it’s clear that he’ll be aware of past problems and also the anti Gabby feeling from the fans. Gabby will have to show something pretty special both on and off the field to resurrect his career – sadly I’m not sure he has the nous or the desire to achieve any sort of comeback.
No of course H60, you are right. SB does not have to make any enemies before a ball has been kicked.
If Gabby could get himself back into shape (I doubt it) I think there is a slot for him as Right Back. No I am not joking, it is the same corner he has played in just with the opposite shirt on. We aren’t blessed with durable RB’s at the moment.
Thanks for your kind words but I am a bit remote from Villa – and I am not going to the away games nearer me until my Bomb Squad have gone. The list has slimmed down but still contains Gabby, Richards, Bacuna, Hutton Westwood and Bunn. When none of those make the starting line up I will buy my next ticket.
Will be interesting to see what he makes of Westwood ?
Problem is westwood is only 1 of 4 recognised midfielders at the club. Bachman is shite. Jedinek is too old and Tishbola is our only decent midfielder but he’s injury prone. No choice but to play WW until Jan window opens
I’ve said it before, but Westwood will be one of the first on the team sheet, because he’s no doubt superb on the training ground.
And that’s where I really hope Bruce can differentiate the training ground from an actual game.
My money says we’ll have mids coming in, in the winter window and even if we haven’t heard of them, they’ll start before Westwood does.
As it stands, Westwood is one of our better bets in the middle.
And that’s disgraceful, as well as being symptomatic of where we are.
We have a limited choice of defensive mids but keep overlooking the wider choice of attacking midfielders particularly if we play a diamond formation. Grealish was brilliant for U23’s playing tip of diamond or in old parlance creative no 10 role – we don’t fully utilise his talents playing him left wing.
We also have Adomah and Ayew – fwiw I don’t see Ayew as an out and out striker.
Our other major weakness is at right back and goalkeeper – again. Be interesting to see how he deals with those.
The general consensus is that Bruce has to quickly work out a formation and style of play that works with the strengths we have – something RDM failed to achieve.
Shabby will be coming out singing bruces praises arse licker he’ll suss him out pretty quickly & I hope he’ll notice we’re too lightweight in the.middle of the park roll on January Utv
Looks like Bruce is aiming high, Sam Johnstone Man utd player has 18 months left on his contract and Bruce is targeted the man. seems he knows who’s who even now.
So he’s pointed out our goalkeeping is suspicious, let’s get after a tough midfielders I say, and that’s not a criticism of Bruce.
Its a worrying thought but what happened to the “rule” that says that a club always gets a few good results with a new manager. Our last 3 managers didn’t get it. Why not Villa and could it be that influences by the some senior players is too strong
Will Bruce be able to bring back Sanchez, Veretout and Gil from loan, I’d take them over our present midfield in a flash!
Amen, brother.
Gabriel Agbonlahor has been thrown an Aston Villa lifeline by new manager Steve Bruce.
The striker has spent his entire career at Villa, save for two early loan spells, and has scored 73 Premier League goals.
But the 30-year-old has not played for the club since March and was training on his own under Roberto Di Matteo before the Italian’s sacking.
I thought this would come about, the man must have a magic wond.
Shabbys lost the fans so even if Bruce picks him he won’t be getting a warm reception is he really worth it Bruce should ask himself.
I’m sure that if Bruce feels that Flabby can do a job for us he’ll pick him. On the other hand I don’t think he suffers fools gladly so I’m not expecting to see him any time soon.
Anyway attack is the least of our problems at the moment and I’m sure that Bruce will be spending what little time he has before the match tomorrow to see what he can do about our defence and midfield. Interested to see who he picks.
Gabby deserves no more chances. If Bruce gives him yet another, he’ll pay the price. We’ve got more than enough forward players
The reality is that gabby is under contract and on a lot of money for the next couple of years. He hasn’t got the nouse nor the desire to manufacture a move a way himself.
So Bruce has stated the obvious and what every new manager says ‘everybody has a clean slate’.
On his day (once in a blue moon) gabby is unplayable and if Bruce can bring that out of him on a regular basis then he would be a fool not to use it.
On the other hand from my perspective Gabby is a complete Tosser and should have been sacked for lack of desire and effort to fight the cause and the fact that he is supposed VILLA FAN makes it worse.
did the doc not slag gabby off after transfer day something about gabby not taking a loan away and that he would not be part of his new villa
He’s tweeted this is his FINAL chance I do believe so,personally I never want to see the tosser in a villa shirt again.saying that what’s the betting to see him on the bench come Saturday?
when was that tweet giddy, and i am full behind you never want gabby ever representing our club at anything he is a complete tosser
About an hour ago it’s saying, fuck knows how to link it mate
‘Everyone worth being given one more chance but have to say that would be LAST chance for gabby to win at VP! Up to him now’ tweet from Dr x
RDM didn’t want Gabby in the squad – whatever the reason never made clear but the reason didn’t matter as he had alienated himself with the majority of fans. Dr T was understandably angry when Gabby refused to go out on loan under the then circumstances.
Bruce wants to keep an open mind which, objectively, makes sense and fair play to the Doc for backing his new manager albeit with a clear warning.
Not for one moment do I think Gabby has the drive, nous or commitment to get back into the team but if Bruce can perform miracles ………..
I wouldn’t expect any professional to come into an organisation and declare in public that certain existing employees were ‘surplus to requirements’ before he’d even got his feet under the desk properly.
Of course I would expect the new manager to have his own opinion of some of the more experienced players – after all, he’ll have seen them playing against his teams over the years – but good manners and professionalism would mean that he should keep an ‘open mind’ as far as public utterances go at this early stage.
I don’t expect Shabby to be named at all: not as ‘bomb squad’, nor on any team sheet in the foreseeable future!
I see Neil Warnock has had an immediate effect at Cardiff, he has got to be the most underrated manager in history, he’ll keep them up no problem.
Gabby will never start for the Villa again, imo.
Bruce indicated that he still isn’t fit, which is a total disgrace.
If he gets a look in for us, I’ll be moaning, trust me.
Really looking forward to today’s game! Will be interesting to see Bruce’s line up. I know he’s only had a couple of days but will be interesting to see how he sees the teams strengths and weaknesses. Roll on 17.30