The very final Press-ing

[dave.woodhall]

http://thebirminghampress.com/2017/05/trying-not-to-look-back-in-anger/

[Woofles The Wonder Dog]

Yup

[kippaxvilla2]

No arguments with that.  Our away form just woeful.

[clash city rocker]

Totally agree about Taylor Dave.  A bloody bargain compared with the others.

[Steve67]

As I've said before about your articles Dave, I hope the people who run our football club, read them. Another balanced piece and I agree with every word. Amavi, if only.

[DeKuip]

A good read and is pretty much in line with my own feelings on the season.
I don't know about the rest of you but I'm just looking forward to a summer where I can shut off from the Villa, and give my head a break from football.
When was the last time we faced a summer not having to constantly be checking for updates on who the new manager would be, or even the next owner - and no Euros or World Cup either!
Marvellous.

[The Edge]

Good read and I can't disagree with any of it. The point about players careers seeming to end once they arrive at Villa Park is very true and very puzzling. What causes it? Size of the club? Bloated salaries? The coaching staff? Who knows. But if I was Tony Xia and it was my money being pissed down the drain I'd be demanding answers from all those responsible including the players themselves. First thing he should consider is a more reward based contract for players and coaching staff alike.

[PaulTheVillan]

Totally agree about Taylor Dave.  A bloody bargain compared with the others.

I just don't get what people see in Amavi. From what I've seen of both Taylor and Amavi, I would say Taylor has more ability.

Amavi would  be one I'd be looking to cash in on ASAP, use the money to rebuild.

I feel Bruce has until October. If we're not in the top 2 (or very close) I can see Tony pulling the trigger.

[DB]

Spot on Dave

[ldavfc4eva]

In a season of inconsistency this column has been consistently accurate and a good read. Thanks for the reading material Dave.

[frank]

Good article, Dave - another very perceptive analysis.

[Pete3206]

Perfect summary of the wretchedness.

[Diablo]

Thanks once again for the informative, insightful and balanced articles throughout the season Dave. Essential (public service care in the community type) shizzle!

[DB]

Lowest position since 1974. That really does hammer it home

[Nelson Lodge]

As an old timer now the reference to 1974 is interesting. In came Ron Saunders in the summer, funds were limited, he bought just 2 players, Frank Carrodus and Leighton Phillips. Drilled the squad relentlessly, and by late November things really started to click, with Keith Leonard and Bobby McDonald coming into the team in December. In essence a previously under performing set of players had been transformed into a formaidlsble team by good management and coaching. Achieved without chucking money at the problem. Shows how things can be turned around quite quickly if the right people are in the right places.

A Promotion and League Cup double followed that same season.
Wouldn't mind the same again next season.