I saw an article on Saturday night that mentioned Wolves manager, Nuno Espirito Santo as possibly someone Villa might be sniffing around as a replacement for Dean Smith.
I was contemplating posting something about that straight after, because it’s an interesting thought, but got side-tracked and forgot all about it, as you do.
But it’s been mentioned again today, which has reminded me. Plus I’ve been asked to post a poll asking if Smith should stay or go.
It makes perfect sense to post the two subjects combined.
I like Nuno. He plays football the right way. Or at least did last season.
From what I’ve seen, Wolves have been quite a bit more cautious this season and it seems his concern was that they would be found out. Hence they’re not quite the swashbuckling team they were previously.
And it’s something that’s been demonstrated in the results, as they’re not flying as high as they were.
I think the reasoning that some fans want him is that he is tactically astute and he could do even better than he has at a club with Villa’s resources. I can’t say Wolves have shown that they won’t spend, but that’s not something I’ve looked into at all.
Whatever, if Smith were to get sacked (and I’m not advocating that at all) I think I’d be reasonably happy to see Nuno come in.
But obviously there are options.
I can’t think who they are, but Rafa Benitez is available isn’t he? I like him too. He takes his job seriously and sets incredibly high standards by all accounts.
Given that he left his last club because of Covid, it might just be a case of good timing too, at the end of the season.
Or perhaps there’s someone else you have in mind?
Post them up, if so, as it will at least make for discussion.
Meanwhile, I’m interested to see how this poll goes.
I don’t think I need to explain anything really, but the points for and against Smith are pretty obvious.
FOR He’s the one who’s got us where we are and we’re on target for where we wanted to be. The players seem to like him. His football can be entertaining. We had a top 6 first half of the season.
AGAINST He’s spent a fortune. He doesn’t seem to be able to manage games very well. He seems to have favourites. His football can be awful. We had a relegation second half of the season. We could have done so much better.
I suspect it’ll be “he stays” at this point.
Bloody hell Nakamba 🙁
1-0
Here we go – could be an absolute hammering
How is that not a penalty?
Doesn’t matter whether Watkins would have got the ball.
Wow what a shit start. The way we pass ourselves in to trouble is ridiculous and the lack of care or awareness in possession is also ridiculous. Looks like we don’t really care anymore for this season if you ask me.
We’re not one of the boy’s Hitch.
Traore waste of space of a footballer as Adam saying no wanting .
Ah Nakamba cross – own goal
beautiful OG! Haha 🙂
1-1
I voted Go. Difficult because we could do a lot worse, and I prefer to give a Villa fan more slack as a manager or player than I would a carpetbagger.
What tips it for me is the expression on Smith’s face when the team are under the cosh. I never see the ‘right I’m going to fix this’ look as he summons a sub to warm up early. Quite the reverse: just a blank, baffled look. I can lip-read too and in one clip DS says to JT “I know what I am doing” and turns away. JT says to his back “I don’t think you do.”
I agree with JT and it is fortunate the fans have been absent because Villa fans are quick to jump on a manager who doesn’t have a plot.
Actually playing some decent football
Watkins! Get in!
2-1 🙂
Well taken by Watkins 2-1 Villa
Traore – closes down the defender and Watkins gets the goal. That’s a bit of a rarity from Traore 🙂
El Ghazi misses a sitter.
That could be really costly.
Spurs fans booing them off.
That means we’ve done well 🙂
I don’t understand how Cash had a pen against him for the very same tackle with Kane yet we dont get the penalty. Why?
The game is joke with some refs decisions.
And VAR is an even bigger joke. It was clearly a foul by Lloris.
Yep, shocking lack of consistency.
It’s called cheating,Bill. No doubt members of the officials’ families have some money on Spurs. How else can you explain it? And how easy would it be? I’ve said it before so won’t bore you with another rant. VAR is so open to abuse, it’s gone beyond a joke.
Next goal is critical – particularly given our recent penchant for giving away winning positions.
VAR is an utter joke.
I’d switch Jack out wide and bring Barkley on, controversial I know.
Martinez again!
He’s saved us some points this season.
Must be in for player of the year?
McGinn looks so much better playing further forward which Nakamba allows him to do
Yes, he’s having a good game. Nice bit of skill from him a couple of mins back too.
Naka doing well too.
Just waiting for Bale to come on and do us.