I’m sorry, but you’ll have to forgive me for not wanting to do cartwheels over our winter window business.
Reading around, it seems the word I’ve come across most to describe our dealings is “underwhelmed” and that’s about how I feel.
While the Guilbert signing intrigues me, it’s obvious he’s one for our future plans and that’s fair enough, although I do wonder why we’re signing players for the future, when we need them now, if we’re really going to push on for promotion?
Looking at the rest of the signings, it’s a similar story.
Mings seems our best bet and I like the sound of him, but he’s hardly played in years.
Will he be ready to start tomorrow? I’d be surprised, but we do need to give Chester a rest. The problem I have is that U-23 match fit is not Championship match fit.
Which leads me to Hause, who was supposed to have looked the business in training, but hasn’t been able to oust an injured Chester. What does that say about either the player or what Dean Smith told us?
The minimum for me, is that he’s nowhere near ready.
Kalinic is finding his feet and definitely seems a better goalie than Nyland, although it’s early days.
And then there’s the enigma which is Tom Carroll, who strikes me as a desperation signing when the Fer transfer fell through.
Hopefully he’ll add some more intensity in the middle, compared to Whelan and Jedinak, but I’m not sure exactly what his role will be. Competition for Hourihane, perhaps?
I’m just a bit concerned that Swansea’s fans seem glad that he’s gone, but at least he’s had a few games this season.
Ok, on paper, we’ve rebalanced the side somewhat.
But we all know the game isn’t played on paper and if it was, we wouldn’t be where we are now.
I’m minded to ask how we’ve actually improved a single position and would welcome thoughts on this.
So, all in all, I think we’re pretty much going with what we’ve got, which ultimately won’t be good enough, this season, at least.
So while I don’t think much of our incomings, I think our outgoings are mostly good moves.
Hogan to the Blades is a risky one, but as it was, we were only depleting his value by not playing him.
Yes, he might ultimately cost us promotion, but I’m not convinced. If Sheffield can get him firing, fair enough. At least he’ll retain more value when we do let him go.
Bree, well, while I know some were disappointed over this one, I can’t say I am. He hasn’t yet struck me as anything special and needs games.
And then there’s the kids. Smith hasn’t messed about here. He said we were top heavy and has cleared most of our attack out on loan.
Rightly so, as most of them were never going to get a game and need real minutes in a man’s game. This is the encouraging part for me.
If they do well, they come back and seriously challenge; if not, they get binned.
Bedou, I’m really not bothered about.
And McCormack, well, good riddance.
Anyway, given my views of the academy being a waste of time if the lads are never going to move up, I’m very happy about our outgoings.
So onto tomorrow’s game and I don’t have a clue what to think.
Will Mings go straight in?
Will Carroll play?
Will Reading have an advantage now that they’ve got rid of Bacuna?
I simply don’t know.
But I’m going for a 1-0 win.
Simply because we ought to win this game.
,
I’ve tried to encourage perspective and for the tinted glasses to be remove, this appears to have failed so instead I’ll use independent non bias impartial vies from the BBC commentator John Motson following the Reading game.
” I was very disappointed in Aston Villa I must be honest, I was expecting a bit more, Tammy Abraham probably had a couple of chances but they didn’t take the game on in the way I expected them to and Reading are struggling anyway but in the end a 0-0 draw was probably right to be honest,”
My point is simple Smith has not improved the team in fact we are in regression.
Ignoring or dreaming will not benefit the club. An honest debate wich looks at the inadequacies needs to be had.
Ted you just don’t seem to be listening. No-one is disputing that the Reading game was disappointing and that a 0-0 draw was probably the right result. That is not the point.
The point is that we are where we are and we need to give Smith more time and a summer window before we start being so caustically negative.
The negativity in the fans and match crowds WILL be communicated to the players and so you end up with a self-fulfilling prophecy and more failure.
Just try being a bit more patient. If Smith fails after the summer window then be as negative as you like. Anything else is not only being unfair but is going against the very thing you say you want – success at VP.
Ted, what rose tinted glasses are they, then?
Most of us think we’re crap if results are anything to go by and we all know that there’s a few in our squad that have had plenty of time and don’t look like they’ll prove good enough for what we aspire too.
But it seems to me you’re the one lacking perspective, tbh.
Please tell us your masterplan as to what you think the club should do?
Sack Smith, because you think he’s utter tripe?
Say we do. Then what? We’re still stuck with the same players that simply can’t be offloaded at the drop of a hat.
And we can’t go on a £100 million spending spree because of FFP, even if a Klopp or whoever were to come in.
The fact is, we’re stuck with what we have and have to give Smith a chance.
Unless you can offer better options.
In which case, I might just back you.
Look, it’s easy to criticise. I’m particularly good at it when it comes to the Villa, if I think it’s justified.
It’s probably why we don’t see that many out and out positive comments tbh and why the site is judged as a bit negative overall, by some fans.
Which is fair enough. Some fans won’t hear a single bad word said about the club, the manager or the team and just blindly support.
In which case, if you can’t convince those of us on here, you’ve no chance of convincing anyone else.
Which leads me to think that maybe it’s you who’s just plain wrong in your thinking?
Hitch, pay the bet to whoever you like.
If it’s a good cause, I’ve no problem.
I feel sorry for kids these days too. It’s bloody hard for them.
I’ll look at the Basement project when I get back home..
Agree with your post Badger.
I wonder if Ted actually reads anyone else’s posts? Whilst there is not universal agreement with some of his views, it seems to me that the responses have been well considered and balanced and not a blind ‘everything in the garden is rosy’.
In the absence of any proposals as to the solution, the only conclusion I can draw is that he favours replacing Smith.
Tbh, Hitch, I don’t have a clue what Ted’s motive is.
Not that it matters that much, as there isn’t a single comment that agrees with him.
That said, he’s been perfectly civil and his viewpoint is as valid as anyone’s, even though I think it’s wrong.
The strange thing is, if anything, most of us are probably now more supportive of Smith and are willing to give him a go.
Not that we have much choice.
Badger – it’s the Basement Project located in Bromsgrove and deals with North Worcestershire. It’s OK to support them as the COO is a Villa fan 🙂
But seriously they do a brilliant job.
Seeing the COO in twenty minutes for a formal hand over of £20 with due pomp and ceremony. 🙂
🙂
Ted, I feel the same way as you mate, but Ted I understand theirs nothing we can do yet, its the players we have are not good enough and Smith knows that. We cannot lay blame on him yet, yes I know some substitutions was questionable and hope he puts it right in the new season, live with what we’ve have till then and then we can call for his head if he fails. Nobody more passionate than me Ted I’ve lived near the ground and worked for the club 20 years, cheer up and things will get better I’m sure.
Hitchens60 if you read my posts I’ve actially referred to your previous comments and those of others, this is a typical response of unfair criticism.
Badger what I keep referring to is perspective, an honest assessment.
I can accept some of your points.
But those of you not willing to accept Smith’s inadequacies and refuse to accept facts such as Bruce succeeded compared to Smith with a weakened team, (Bruce’s football was dire) will contribute to our teams continued regression.
How can there be no criticism after Wigan, Swansea, Hull, Ipswich, Preston?
How can there be no criticism despite our performances and Smith continuing to play certain players?
As said we are a poor champ team, let’s accept this, stop trying to fool supporters, instead be honest.
Badger you say Smith is still coming out with the promotion retric, why? is he misleading fans?
Wouldn’t it be better to be honest about the squad? Set realistic expectations remove the older players and play youth?
No expectation, no pressure on the youth?
Apologies if you think I’ve unfairly criticised you – however you do realise that you are unfairly criticising a number of posters on here just because they don’t agree with your assessment of Smith?
You’re entitled to your views, just as I am to mine. I believe I have taken a balanced and open minded approach to events at Villa Park. I supported Bruce when many didn’t and got criticised for it – I will continue to support Smith until I feel he’s not the right manager to take Villa forward, despite what you happen to think.
Also, a quick point on removing ‘old’ players for ‘youth.’ A great idea in principle. However, the last time I recall a manager doing that with the severity that we’re talking about, the late Graham Taylor axed a legend in Peter Schmeichel for Peter Enkleman, and ditched another legend in Paul Merson for a raw Peter Crouch. I would’ve preferred to enjoy Schmeichel and Merson for a while longer, personally.
OK, our ‘old’ players aren’t legends, but they have the nous is a difficult league that the youngsters simply can’t have. Throwing inexperienced kids in could see us plummet down the league, while destroying their confidence and Smith’s credibility in one tidy package. Be careful what you wish for!
BFR – the general consensus on here is that sending our better U23’s out on loan was an excellent move by Smith in the transfer window. He also recalled Green (frustrating he got injured) and kept Davis in preference to Hogan. To my mind this is sensible future planning by Smith.
I agree with you; at present our U23’s are not ready for the first team, certainly not at left back or defensive midfield and putting them in the side will not improve performances or results.
Ted, you ask: “How can there be no criticism after Wigan, Swansea, Hull, Ipswich, Preston?”
Answers:
1. He’s been in the job for less than 6 months
2. His best players are missing
3. Changing style of play will take time, especially when aforementioned best players are missing
4. In the games you refer to(apart from Preston), they were all Bruce’s players, minus (again) the best ones
5. We beat Ipswich and got an away draw in the last two games; if that continues, we’re in great form
6. The Championship is arguably the most difficult league in the world. Everyone can, and will, beat everyone. Look at the results of the top 10 teams. Forest and Stoke have vanished, but Villa, although admittedly ambitious, are still capable of catching the top 6. 3rd-6th is the same, so 6th will do if can’t make top 2.
All those who argue against you are saying, is give Smith a full season, with a full pre-season to get his style across, and with his own players who can implement his style more efficiently than Bruce’s players. If there’s no progress after that, by all means, get the white bed sheets and black markers out… Does that sound unreasonable?
Frustrating! If there was one word that sums up Villa then that’s the best one for me. 8-9 years of mismanagement has got us where we are. I put the main blame on Lerner, Faulkner and Fox as the dickheads who sold our club down the river. Dr Xia came in and did nothing wrong other than employed a ‘name’ in Di Matteo, a champions league winner and decent record at Albion who thought buying other championship teams players for big money was the answer. He rectified this with Bruce who was the right man at the time to build stability. We fell at the final hurdle last season, losing to a better team in Fulham. This season after the summer chaos we can hope for better things in the future with current owners saying the right things and financially put us on a good footing. Smith hasn’t managed to solve the riddle that Bruce had, in getting results and performances from a team without Grealish. Is it because of Grealish we went from Blues, Derby and Middlesbrough to Wigan, QPR, Swansea and Reading? One man shouldn’t make a team perform but it seems a coincidence. Smith did something Bruce failed to sort by switching him from wide left to a free roaming attacking midfielder. Without him we do not have a replacement. Certainly not Hourihane, Bjarnasson or even McGinn. This summer I hope we haven’t got a foolishly low clause in his contract for a premier team to sign him. If he hasn’t then we must keep him or insist on megabucks to generate the funds to bring in quality players. Last summer with FFP and Xia struggling to free up funds to pay tax bills and wages, I was thinking we would end up more like Sunderland, so with an outside chance of play offs, then I have to be satisfied with the current situation despite recent performances.
Ted, no criticism?
Are you serious?
You need to look back at some of the comments over the last few weeks.
During the Ipswich game, I thought the footy was so poor I turned it off and commented the same on here just beforehand.
To suggest we’re all totally blinkered and refuse to criticise is quite simply wrong.
That’s my last comment on the subject, as it’s plain that you have your opnion and everyone else is wrong in wanting to give Smith a chance because it’s the only option we’ve got.
Oh, that and the fact that you haven’t suggested a single thing as to what Smith could do better.
There’s nothing worse than blind hatred and that’s what you’re demonstrating to me, I’m afraid, Ted.
I thought the chances we missed at Reading were very very promising and I believe we should have won, however it was only the highlights I saw so if I am wrong then feel free to correct me and I will have a look at some more highlights – extended highlights this time.
Well, all my hopes go to Sheffield United as I am actually going with my grandad.
Reported Grealish return not until 23rd Feb at earliest but 2nd March might be more realistic.
Hope they win for you and your grandad Alfie. Took three (of my four) grandsons to the Ipswich game – great day out.
I am sure I heard that DS was going to put in place at least a 3 year plan to get all our teams playing in his style…attacking……then if its correct I am willing to wait as long as its a steady progress. I am hoping that we can improve from the form of late and get Jack back and build around him as I have now seen that he is pivotal to the team…a thing I didn’t appreciate so much before.
All this will hopefully not get us promoted this season…it would be the worse thing for the club.
Interesting article about best left backs in the Championship on Birmingham Live. Baggies have PL class in Kieran Gibbs, while none other than Enda Stevens is tearing it up for Blades with 6 assists from the left. Another one that got away, maybe?
We’ve always been a club that can’t develop players into their full potential. A long list of players we had and let go now worth millions. So there’s no point having a class scouting network anyway if you get raw talent in but don’t know what to do with it. Let’s see if Smith can change that in the longer term…
It’s an excellent point – not only in the Championship but look around the Prem and also some of the top leagues in Europe to see ex Villa players that were deemed not good enough.
Sadly some blame must go on the fans who are, imho, too quick to criticise and get on players backs – something we’re all probably guilty of at times!
Football is a team game and within any team you need unsung heroes who do the hard graft or who are the glue and, at times, can go unnoticed.
Apart from Ted it’s good that most of us are willing to give Smith a chance. I just hope that everyone in the ground is getting the message too.
Nothing is going to be achieved in a few weeks. We’d dug such a deep hole over years of mismanagement in the Prem that we should probably thank Bruce that we didn’t go straight down to Div 1 like Sunderland. It’s going to take time and anyone who thinks differently, IMHO, have their heads firmly up their arses.
Pat 57 I’m simply saying perspective,
Smith has not achieved so far, the team has actually regressed. Why cant this point be accepted?
Bruce achieved more without Tammy, fact.
I see comments about a three year plan and building for the future, but then I see Jack may go in the Summer and he is the main stay of the team.
So what happens when Jack goes? the current players and a few addition’s will not make the team better.
Maybe it’s because we don’t agree with you Ted.
Ted, it is safe to say that you are doing my head in now.Reality is we have been very poor since Martin O’Neill left. Anyone who is criticising Smith already needs to get a grip. If you have ever worked in a management role you will know that when you walk into a new job you spend the first 2-3 months evaluating the staff you have and either work with them to improve performance or make plans to replace them when appropriate.
You keep mentioning perspective in your posts. My advice is that you get some realistic perspective yourself.
UTV
Ted, if Jack is sold, what should be a substantial chunk of change will be used to rebuild the starting 11, if not the squad. It’s a very similar scenario to the one Big Ron had in ’91 with David Platt. He didn’t want to sell and wanted to build the team around Platt. But he left and a quality team was built that was very close to winning the PL two years later. And that was after the disaster of Dr Jo. There’s no reason why we can’t rebuild, although I personally hope Jack stays and Smith does build the team around him.
Actually, Bruce’s and Smith’s record without Grealish are not that dissimilar in terms of results and the football, generally, under Smith over that period has been far more entertaining so,no, I don’t accept we’ve regressed as a team under Smith.
Hitch, I can’t understand how Bruce and now Smith struggle to get results without Grealish. One opinion is trying square pegs in round holes to persevere with a formation that doesn’t work without him. It’s something that needs to be addressed regardless of whether Grealish stays or goes. The past two seasons he has had a long time out injured and we have struggled. He is only one player, admittedly our best by far but even so we should be able to make do, especially when the general opinion is we have one of the best squads in the league! Smith probably can’t wait till the summer to do some major surgery. Come August it should be HIS team and then we will be able to judge him fair and square, without excuses!
Interesting point Holte.
Part Psychological? Both for Villa and the opposition but from opposite ends of the spectrum.
He does draw players which creates gaps or space that others can utilise and he runs well with the ball, shields it well, has good acceleration and sees a pass. We don’t have anyone else with his particular set of skills.
We are set up to play around him and neither Bruce did, nor Smith yet, has figured out how to alter the system when he’s not playing.
Just read 5bis, interesting piece, as I said before perspective
Smith in the final days of the window.
Delivering his verdict on proceedings, he told the Birmingham Mail: “We were looking at options but the options never came to fruition There was nothing that disappointed us too much, though.”
If that is Smith telling the truth then the Villa fans should be absolutely fuming, for it was still quite a disappointing window for those in the stands.
Quite frankly the manager is fooling no one with his claims – going from targeting Chalobah to Fer was quite a significant drop in itself, the Watford man head and shoulders above most of the Championship, and so to end up with Carroll is a huge let down.
Villa needed big strides in January if they were to make up the ground on their rivals for a play off spot and looking at their squad now, no one will be too confident they have what it takes.
Smith cannot be as happy as he suggests – missing out on those top quality targets will have a big impact between now and the end of the season
Just read this, interesting piece.
Smith in the final days of the window.
Delivering his verdict on proceedings, he told the Birmingham Mail: “We were looking at options but the options never came to fruition There was nothing that disappointed us too much, though.”
If that is Smith telling the truth then the Villa fans should be absolutely fuming, for it was still quite a disappointing window for those in the stands.
Quite frankly the manager is fooling no one with his claims – going from targeting Chalobah to Fer was quite a significant drop in itself, the Watford man head and shoulders above most of the Championship, and so to end up with Carroll is a huge let down.
Villa needed big strides in January if they were to make up the ground on their rivals for a play off spot and looking at their squad now, no one will be too confident they have what it takes.
Smith cannot be as happy as he suggests – missing out on those top quality targets will have a big impact between now and the end of the season
Ted, I really can’t help thinking maybe you’re coming on here just to wind people up. Someone before suggested you may be ‘a nose’. The things you say just sound like bait for the guys who post on here. You use the word perspective a lot, but yours is so skewed and narrow, I have to doubt whether your comments are genuine or whether you’re just being a wind up merchant. Sorry if that’s unfair but it’s what I think when I read your posts.
BFR firstly I’ve supported Villa many years, I remeber Charlie Akine, met him in Ackocks green when he had his antiques business and later at Villa, Andy Lockheed, Alex Cropley etc and as previously stated I had a birthday in hospitality last year. I attend games and remain an active supporter.
Secondly you suggest I’m saying things to wind others up.
This confuses me, I’ve simply posted a comment from the media. You can see the full article on news now, so I’m not sure of your point?
It appears if I disagree and post supportive views, it’s offence.