So it’s official then. Steven Gerrard is our new manager after the club released a statement around an hour ago.
It’s believed that negotiations are ongoing with regards to the Rangers background staff, but it would seem it’s pretty much a formality and they’ll all be following Gerrard down to Villa park.
The good news is that it’s rumoured that we’ll only have to pay compensation of £4 million maximum and it could be less. In today’s world, that seems cheap to me and it seems the Gers dropped the ball there in not ensuring it was a higher figure.
I know this appointment has captured the imagination of a lot of Villa fans, particularly the younger amongst us, but I have to hold my hands up and say straight away that I’m worried.
Yes, I get it all. He’s a winner and a leader. He’s done very well at Rangers, in winning the title. I personally don’t think that’s much of an achievement, but the fact is you still have to actually win it and he did.
I get all of that.
And when you look at it, it’s a really good move all round and even more so for Gerrard.
We get a young, dynamic manager who’s on the up and even though I’m not wholly convinced, when I look around and consider who we might otherwise get, I really don’t see much.
Yes, I could name some managers who I would have much preferred, but there’s no way we’d have got them.
So Gerrard is pretty much about as good as we could have hoped for.
And in return, there’s no way Gerrard was going to get a top Premier league club yet. I saw it written elsewhere by a Rangers fan, that Villa and Everton are probably in the next tier, so we’re ideal.
Add in that there will no doubt be some very serius money to spend and we already have a very good squad anyway and there is no doubt that we’re about as good a job as Gerrard could expect at this stage in his career.
There is of course the fact we all know that Gerrard is hoping to use the Villa as a stepping stone on the way to running his beloved Liverpool. That does on the face of it annoy me and I know it really irks many of you.
But I’m okay with it really. It doesn’t matter what club a manager might support or end up managing, they will all have the ambition of maybe one day running one of the really big clubs. It’s only the fact that he has such an allegiance to Pool that makes it a big deal in some eyes.
But then, keeping my level head on, I have to see this as massively risky all round.
The plain and simple fact is that Gerrard has no experience of managing in the Premier league.
Indeed, it’s something that was thrown at Dean Smith by some fans that didn’t rate him when we first got promoted.
I thought that was harsh, as though he lacked Premiership experience, he had at least spent a good few years as a manager, which would stand him in good stead.
Well, we all know how that’s worked out and those early nay-sayers have possibly proven to be correct. Sadly Dean Smith was rapidly beginning to look out of his depth.
So Gerrard also lacks Prem experience, but also lacks much experience at all and it worries me.
Gerrard hasn’t had to struggle as a manager before and it’s all going to be new to him. Which would be fine, but our current position means that if Stevie doesn’t get us rolling instantly we’re going to be mired in a relegation battle as we approach probably our worst string of fixtures of the season.
And wow, does he have a major job on his hands.
He has to try and sort out our awful defence, gel our new signings (maybe after he’s found out why they’re still not fit) and try and get kids more involved before they decide they’ve had enough empty promises of games and opt to leave.
The good news here is that it’s very much in the manager’s interest to suceed, because if he doesn’t, he’ll only be setting himself back
I might seem as though I’m being overly cynical, but it’s only out of concern for the club.
But of course, I wish him the very best of luck and will try not to adopt an approach where he has to win me over.
UTV! Onwards and upwards.
I believe he plays more forward for Scotland, where every man and his dog knows he’s more effective. Except Smith.
You make a good point there, actually.
Now he’s gone, it’s almost like we don’t need to blindly defend him and it’s even easier to admit his numerous (imo) faults.
Oh, and I don’t believe Gerrard will make the same mistakes either.
In fact, thinking about it, it’s difficult to see how Smith could have been so stupid/stubborn with some of his choices.
I really think there’s a lot more going on behind the scene than is realised.
And whatever it is, as much as any other reason, is most likely what led to him being sacked.
No need to invoke conspiracies!
Nice and genuine a bloke as everyone says he is, DS was increasingly looking like a great manager – at Championship level only.
His limitations at PL level were becoming more & more exposed as this season has progressed.
Heh, it’s just a logical assumption, Ardent.
It’s the only way I can possibly explain why Smith stuck with some of the choices he made.
I’ve said as much Badger, things wasn’t right,in the camp, it taken a foreigner to brake ranks and show his discontent by sticking his one finger up at Smith. The dressing room was lost weeks ago and players was losing their rag with each other.we needed this change to regain confident in each other. I’m confident we will start to improve where we wouldn’t have by sticking with Smith. We will see the likes of Ramsey, Archer and a few more being played and not being held back to lose to other clubs. In Villa I trust..
From the OS;
“Aston Villa are pleased to welcome Gary McAllister (Assistant Head Coach), Michael Beale (Assistant Head Coach), Tom Culshaw (Technical Coach), Scott Mason (Lead Analyst) and Jordan Milsom (Head of Fitness and Conditioning) to the club as part of Steven Gerrard’s backroom staff.
Austin MacPhee, Aaron Danks and Neil Cutler will also remain at the club.”
I’d seen people complaining that we had too many coaches etc under Smith.
That should give them some more to complain about 🙂
Beale supposed to be the real deal and a top class coach.
See Dean likely to take the Norwich job now Lampard has dropped out (doesn’t fancy a relegation battle or is he eying the Rangers job – bit of both?)
Anyway wish Dean Welles long he isn’t successful against us – brave call.
Apart from Neil Cutler they should have cleared the rest out IMO. There could be friction between the new and old which could translate to a bad atmosphere behind the scenes.
The one thing that annoys me already is the ‘stepping stone’ references. We had it for a couple of years with JG before he eventually abandoned ship. That kind of talk in the media proves a constant derailing affect and I’m certain we will hear more of it if Gerrard gets off to a good start.
Holte – I agree to some extent.
I don’t know anything about Danks but what has MacPhee bought to the club?
Our set piece defending is atrocious and seems to be going backwards; where are the new set piece routines or is the limit of thinking taking long throw-ins at every opportunity? What happened to taking quick throw-ins in attacking positions before the opposition have time to organise their defence – so predictable – is Pulis lurking in the background somewhere 🙂
Cutler – fair enough. He’s reputed to be a very good GK coach and Gerrard’s previous GK coach opted to stay with Rangers.
If the ‘chemistry’ doesn’t work or the existing coaches don’t perform I’m sure Gerrard will act decisively.
As to ‘stepping stones’ – disrespectful to Villa and, to some extent, to Gerrard’s integrity. He may have an ambition to manage Liverpool one day – and why shouldn’t he – but if he achieves that ambition with Villa we’ll be in a very strong position to pick and choose from the very best.
UTV
I suspect that whoever had been appointed from amongst the younger generation of ex-players turned coaches we would have heard the same from the media.
Imagine if John Terry had got it: would have simply been told it was a “stepping stone to the Chelsea job he really wants”, or if it had been Lampard a “stepping stone to the England job”… blah. blah, blah.
Let’s face facts. Very (VERY) few football managers last longer than a few years in ANY job, even if they’re successful, and even the ones at the very top tend to want a change or rest after four or five years.
The days of the likes of Ferguson or Wenger staying in place for 10-15 years I believe are over for good (& looking at what’s happened to ManU and Arsenal since those guys left might suggest that they were each there far too long anyway…)
Whatever Gerrard dreams of doing at Liverpool isn’t going to happen unless he can show 2-3 seasons’ real progress in the Premier League: IMO that must at least include a couple of top-6 finishes and a few cup wins.
If he can achieve that at Villa in the next couple of years we should all be really happy. He might then be eligible for his dream job, and Villa will be an even more attractive prospect for any top-rated manager we might want to find as a replacement.
In the EFL trophy Villa’s U21’s get a home draw in the round of 32 (where did these Americanisms come from?) – courtesy of topping the Group – against Charlton Athletic (L1) w/c 29th November.
Villa are the only EPL U21’s in the competition with a 100% record having played all three Group games away from home – impressive.
Stevie G eat your heart out – we have an array of young talent – get them playing in the first team.
It would appear Smith to Norwich is a done deal.
That’s a quick turnaround for him and I hope he’s happy.
Unfortunately, you can bet your boots they’ll do the double over us, even if they lose every other game 🙁
Guaranteed Badger
Our ladies win 0-1 on the other side of the city. Well done
Yep, saw that Gerry; excellent. We look to have improved from last season (first in the WSL) but a bit of a way to go to catch up the top teams.
I like the way our owners are investing in the Women’s team after years of non interest.
UTV
Another injury! Nakamba now has a groin strain playing for Zimbabwe and, it seems, Luiz is still suffering with a ham string. A weak midfield even weaker.
It never rains……….
I’ve been thinking about our midfield and I have to say, I think things are looking bleak in the short term.
I really don’t see how much is going to change and with Nakamba injured, it could even be worse than I’ve been thinking.
I think we’re going to have to cut Gerrard some serious slack until the transfer window and probably a while longer.
I predict some very scary times, with possibly some “we may as well have kept Smith” type comments, I’m afraid and we’re going to have to hold our nerve.
Season 18-19. Bruce starts season with practically no defenders. We have to hang in until January.
Season 19-20. We start the season with no strikers apart from Wesley.
Season 20-21. We start the season with no strikers apart from Watkins.
Season 21-22. We start the season with zero back-up in central midfield.
Perhaps, Mr Purslow and co’ still have work to do before we can say we have a squad capable of challenging for anything. The depth simply isn’t there. You either create it by blooding ‘free’ talent like Chukuemenka, Bidace, (the other) Ramsey, and Archer. Or you bite the bullet and start signing fat cheques. I’m guessing the Villa board want the first option. Let’s see if Gerrard can make it happen and make them happy, not to mention Edens and Sawiris that little bit richer. I would prefer a happy medium of both options, for what it’s worth.
Bring in the kids would be my suggestion.
Give them until the transfer window opens, and let them play.
Long over due in my eyes Neil, I’ve always advocated if you can die for your country then your old enough. Some will say it’s experience needed, I say if they have the skill and your in the game to play for your club and country then your the man. But in our day and times youth get pushed back in jealousy of being young. Give youth a chance…
Fully agree – there’s a lot of quality in the U23’s and while we need a serious attempt at getting-in a solid defensive midfielder in the transfer window, give the youngsters a chance now.
I’m playing devil’s advocate here;
Given that we all think that what’s required is tougher midfielders, who, of the kids do we think fits the bill?
Or is it something else the kids might do better?
Ramsey has to step up again and show the ability he clearly has on a consistent basis. Fair play to Smith, he stuck with him albeit he received a fair amount of (unfair?) criticism for doing so – and I’m not innocent on that point.
Gerard also has to find the best way to use Young over the next few weeks given our problems in midfield.
Mad thought – could Konsa play in front of the back four – even if it’s a stop gap decision.
He’s very comfortable on the ball and we do have choices at CB?
I’d rather keep Konsa where he works best; as our best central defender.
I’d say Mings would be a better bet for that, but only if Luiz and Naka are both unavailable.
He has the pace to cover, likes to get forward ocassionally, loves to play it long and can tackle/block too.
All he needs is a brain 🙂
Funny, I had just had the same thoughts.
Initially i thought of Taunzebe (vaguely remember him doing something like that when he was last on loan with us?), but then I thought that Mings could probably do it better – and if he’s going to carry-on as captain, could probably do that role better from there as well.
Good shout both – and perhaps his ‘mistake every game’ scenario wouldn’t be as costly?
Sorry …wrong link …can you please delete
Done as requested
https://youtu.be/yVGWlYvW5w4
What about Sanson? Why play a CD out of position if Sanson is fit? Why should Gerrard get slack if Luiz or Nakamba are unfit. Not many gave Smith slack despite not having a fully fit squad all season. Unfortunately as Smith found out, it’s a results business and fans don’t care about the reasons why we are losing games.
Ramsey, Sanson, McGinn, Buendia and Chukwuemeka can all fill in if necessary. I don’t include Young because he has never been a CM during his career and he hasn’t got the engine to cope.
Unfortunately SG needs positive results from the beginning because his first two games are his best hope of points during the next six weeks. I fear we won’t be the stepping stone he requires to achieve his ultimate job. I hope he proves my doubts as unfounded.
Apologies if I sound sceptical about Villa at the moment. I think my biggest bugbear is with Purslow and Lange and maybe our owners are reigning in on the spending after the nett zero summer transfer activity. I would love to know how much say Smith had on the players bought. Good luck to him at Norwich and the likely double they will inflict on us.
Yes, Holte, what about Sanson? I’ve discounted him totally as he’s either perpetually unfit, a troublemaker or as I’ve previously suggested, quite simply not up to the rigours of the Prem.
It’ll be interesting to see what happens with him and I see only 2 scenarios;
a) He’s starting games before Xmas
Or b) He’s straight out on loan come the window.
Gerrard will not be standing for a player who can’t play for us, imo and he won’t have been signed under Gerrard’s tenure, so there won’t be any obligation on his part.
He’s a typical example of a player Smith didn’t want, imo, along with Guilbert.
Gerrard has to get slack because he hasn’t been involved in signing any of the players, simple.
He’ll be expected to add something different, which will hopefully improve us somewhat, but surely you don’t expect him to be on the same footing as the manager who has been in charge for the last 3 years and oversaw the players coming in?
Hence he gets at least some slack. And he has too, because Brighton apart, we’re on a serious hiding to nothing, regardless of who’s in charge, imo.
“Ramsey, Sanson, McGinn, Buendia and Chukwuemeka can all fill in if necessary”.
Really Holte?
Sanson apart, McGinn is the best bet and I thought the consensus was he’s not that good at it because his passing is abysmal, for one thing.
I just don’t see that the other 3 are anything like DMs in any shape or form.
This discussion has its roots in some earlier comments about McGinn (In particular) where there was some consensus that he seems much more effective and consistent playing an attacking/creative role for Scotland than he has in the box-to-box role for Villa in the last year or two.
Likewise, I believe that Buendia, Ramsey and even Luiz are all far better at driving forward than defending. (I’d even suggest that paying big-money for Buendia and then asking him to play what doesn’t seem to be his ‘natural’ game has been a mistake…)
Hence there was a kind of recognition that what Villa are clearly missing is a defensive/holding midfielder who would allow the others to play their natural game going forwards.
Sanson wasn’t mentioned simply because he’s apparently been injured almost the whole time since he arrived at Villa. If he’s now match-fit it would be very interesting to see what he could contribute!