The very final Press-ing

[ChicagoLion]

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.

Except we have Steve Bruce not Ron Saunders.

[old man villa fan]

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.

No clear ambition and direction has filtered through all levels of the Club. There appears to be a lack of enthusiasm to do anything other than continuing doing the same and sailing on hopefully.

We have a broken football club but lack bold decisions to give us a fighting chance of getting back to top 8 in the PL within 5 years.

[ChicagoLion]

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.

No clear ambition and direction has filtered through all levels of the Club. There appears to be a lack of enthusiasm to do anything other than continuing doing the same and sailing on hopefully.

We have a broken football club but lack bold decisions to give us a fighting chance of getting back to top 8 in the PL within 5 years.

The Lerner hangover is going to take some shifting.

[Diablo]

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.

No clear ambition and direction has filtered through all levels of the Club. There appears to be a lack of enthusiasm to do anything other than continuing doing the same and sailing on hopefully.

We have a broken football club but lack bold decisions to give us a fighting chance of getting back to top 8 in the PL within 5 years.

The Lerner hangover is going to take some shifting.

The air of malaise is pungent.

[Villatillidie1982]

This bunch of players is far better than 1974. Bruce has a summer to mould them into a team. Dr Tone won't get rid of him quickly though. Too much upheaval has gone before. He will be allowed the season.

[brian green]

But are they a "better" squad than 1974?  They cost a lot of money and they came with big reputations but price tags and reputations don't win games or top tables.  A player is what he does on the field of play.  Our players have to deliver.  They have to want to win and to win to be considered better players.

[dcdavecollett]

To be better players they have to be used better by the manager and not used as auxiliary defenders for most of the game.

Hope you're okay, Brian. I was shocked to read your article in the last fanzine of the season.

[brian green]

I am fine Dave, thanks for asking.

[dcdavecollett]

No Probs, Brian.

Perhaps it was all the excitement of Brucie Football that tipped you over the edge...