Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: four fornicholl on April 17, 2016, 02:12:32 PM
-
That makes everything alright then
-
Dear Supporters
First, on behalf of the Board, let me express my deep regret that I find myself writing this open letter to you, knowing just how much hurt and pain, anger and anguish will have been felt by you all after the Club lost its Premier League status this weekend.
Your profound sadness is shared by everyone connected with the Club and while I know that will be of little consolation in the days ahead, it should be a source of reassurance as we rebuild the foundations for future successes.
We must acknowledge that this weekend's confirmation has been the culmination of an unacceptably fractured season both on and off the pitch. That isn't down to bad luck. To make such a claim would be insulting to each and every one of you. I must add you have all displayed unyielding commitment in adversity.
While it is of little solace at present, the process of identifying the root causes of our circumstances started long ago and the focus now has to be looking forward and making sure lessons have been learnt.
The search for a new manager to provide drive, direction and immediate promotion has commenced.
Together, we share the same goal. We intend to restore Aston Villa Football Club to its rightful place. It is a journey we must make together so we can bring success, enjoyment and exciting football back to Villa Park once more.
Steve Hollis
Chairman
-
It's actually what I wanted to hear and I believe him.
Good start.
-
The club had to say something. It's not an apology but it does actually sound like they've got an idea of what they need to change.
-
It's actually what I wanted to hear and I believe him.
Good start.
Agree. It's nice to hear from the board.
-
Does he mean it? The identity of the next manager will tell us.
-
I'd like to see what the real culprit has to say.
-
seems like he saying the search for the new manager has just commenced
-
That makes everything alright then
No, it doesn't but that was not the intention of it. It is an acknowledgement of serious issues at the Club. The last thing the fans wanted was a Lambert type "we played very well".
-
As close as we'll get to an apology.
-
That makes everything alright then
Yes, of course that's what he was saying.
And if no comment had been made, you'd have been moaning at the lack of communication.
-
I'll start to believe it when Paddy Riley is gone.
-
seems like he saying the search for the new manager has just commenced
No, the search for a new manager started when they decided to allow Garde to leave/sack him. They are taking their time to work out the best way forward and the manager is a key part. The Club is broken and there are many ways to try and put it back together again. Jumping quickly to appoint a manager before all of the issues are established and a strategy worked out, would not be the best way.
-
At least he didn't start the letter with "Dear Customers"! A good open letter. Be good if Lerner followed suit...
-
It's very well written and the easiest thing in the world is to be sceptical and cynical. Obviously the proof will be in the results of their review, the managerial appointment, the support given to that manager and the players that the club employ in the future. This is a good start. He needed to make contact quickly and he has. And he's right it won't take away the pain. Only time and evidence that things have started to change and will continue to improve will.
-
At least he didn't start the letter with "Dear Customers"! A good open letter. Be good if Lerner followed suit...
I don't think he should.
Hollis is running the business now and speaks on behalf of the club.
-
Fair enough, it's a well-written and honest letter, and there's not a lot else he could say. But the problems go back years and are the result of picking bad managers and investing in players badly or insufficiently. Now the board can do something about the manager to a certain extent, buf if the funds aren't available then things aren't going to improve.
-
At least he didn't start the letter with "Dear Customers"! A good open letter. Be good if Lerner followed suit...
I don't think he should.
Hollis is running the business now and speaks on behalf of the club.
Completely agree. If Lerner commented people would naturally jump all over it and more damaging would be the impression it would give that he's still fully in charge. Hollis has gone to great lengths to suggest that we actually have a working board and Lerner is a director as part of decision process. It's important that he is the voice of the club and not Lerner.
-
That makes everything alright then
Pick your toys up! He has to start somewhere.
This is exactly what I want to hear. For too long, the club have had poor and Ill judged communication with the fans, this statement is on the money both with timing and in content. I don't want an apology, I don't want them attributing blame to those that have moved on. I don't want management pr guff and I certainly don't want to hear about false fucking narratives.
I want to hear that the man in charge is not hiding away and is acknowledging the reasons we are where we are. More importantly, I want to know that he is going to do something about it
-
Given he's self-admittedly "not a football man", I think he's written something completely on the level and more importantly, believable - at least for now.
The proof, of course, will be in the pudding over the coming weeks. His statement almost makes the decision on the next managerial appointment even more important, like it could affect his own credibility. Fuck that decision up, and his statement means nothing.
-
It's a decent enough letter. Although it should be as he's had months to draft it. /baddumtish
-
He's had long enough to compose it. Means nothing really.
Actions is what we want and need.
I think it would take a miracle on biblical proportions to see us promoted next season but that's my opinion.
-
That makes everything alright then
Pick your toys up! He has to start somewhere.
This is exactly what I want to hear. For too long, the club have had poor and Ill judged communication with the fans, this statement is on the money both with timing and in content. I don't want an apology, I don't want them attributing blame to those that have moved on. I don't want management pr guff and I certainly don't want to hear about false fucking narratives.
I want to hear that the man in charge is not hiding away and is acknowledging the reasons we are where we are. More importantly, I want to know that he is going to do something about it
Its what I wanted to hear too,but theres a hell of a long way to go
-
That makes everything alright then
No, it doesn't but that was not the intention of it. It is an acknowledgement of serious issues at the Club. The last thing the fans wanted was a Lambert type "we played very well".
But from a man, who is paid by the most serious issue at the Club. Wished he'd not said anything to be honest. All I'm interested in is a sale - until then, there will be no recrovery
-
That makes everything alright then
Pick your toys up! He has to start somewhere.
This is exactly what I want to hear. For too long, the club have had poor and Ill judged communication with the fans, this statement is on the money both with timing and in content. I don't want an apology, I don't want them attributing blame to those that have moved on. I don't want management pr guff and I certainly don't want to hear about false fucking narratives.
I want to hear that the man in charge is not hiding away and is acknowledging the reasons we are where we are. More importantly, I want to know that he is going to do something about it
Its what I wanted to hear too,but theres a hell of a long way to go
It's what you wanted to hear but your first thought was to slag him off for making it.
Can't win with you really, can he?
-
As open letters go that's one of them
-
It's an acknowledgment I appreciate. It's better than silence and doesn't go over the top. The board's actions will now determine the strength of recovery but this is a start.l anticipate that there has been stuff going on confidentially and we'll now begin to see the initial results of this as relegation is confirmed.
-
That makes everything alright then
Pick your toys up! He has to start somewhere.
This is exactly what I want to hear. For too long, the club have had poor and Ill judged communication with the fans, this statement is on the money both with timing and in content. I don't want an apology, I don't want them attributing blame to those that have moved on. I don't want management pr guff and I certainly don't want to hear about false fucking narratives.
I want to hear that the man in charge is not hiding away and is acknowledging the reasons we are where we are. More importantly, I want to know that he is going to do something about it
Its what I wanted to hear too,but theres a hell of a long way to go
It's what you wanted to hear but your first thought was to slag him off for making it.
Can't win with you really, can he?
What I am trying to say is "talks cheap,beer costs money"
-
I don't believe that my "profound sadness is shared by everyone connected with the club". I don't think the players give a shit about anything other than themselves. Write me another letter when Lerner's fucked off please.
-
Fair enough, not much more he can say and at least its comprehensible unlike some of the previous scribes from the owner.
Now we need action.
-
Good letter and for me the most important line is "The search for a new manager to provide drive, direction and immediate promotion has commenced."
No surprise with so many money men on the board they realise the importance of an immediate return to the PL. With so much money about to flood the PL, it's going to be difficult enough for promoted teams to survive in 2017/18 nevermind 2018/19.
-
Good letter and for me the most important line is "The search for a new manager to provide drive, direction and immediate promotion has commenced."
No surprise with so many money men on the board they realise the importance of an immediate return to the PL. With so much money about to flood the PL, it's going to be difficult enough for promoted teams to survive in 2017/18 nevermind 2018/19.
yes it looks like the new manager will have to have got a club promotion to the premier league on his CV , that seems to be the compulsary criteria for the job and getting Preston to the play offs is not good enough
-
I don't think it means that at all. The Preston days for Moyes were a long time ago, the fact he has managed and performed well at a club a similar size to Villa without having the ill discipline to have his son fart in a prostitutes face during a promotional tour of the owners homeland on video, or offer out his own fans, or drive a wedge between himself and the media by acting like an utter cocksocket.
Moyes is the outstanding candidate if they can get him. Bevington tweeted today, and during the Liverpool game the other night about the importance of the connect between the team and their fans. Pearson would immediately split the fans down the middle.
-
If we sign Moyes or even Pearson that was a sincere and well intentioned letter because it will involve substantial expense. If it is the cheap option of a Mick McCarthy or Warnock we will know it was just a letter, nothing more. In short I want action from the board, not words.
-
If we sign Moyes or even Pearson that was a sincere and well intentioned letter because it will involve substantial expense. If it is the cheap option of a Mick McCarthy or Warnock we will know it was just a letter, nothing more. In short I want action from the board, not words.
Brian if we employee Warnock I will take a first class flight over to where you are and buy you a slap up dinner.
-
I appreciate the gesture from Mr Hollis. I hope they choose the right Manager, I can't help thinking they want Steve Bruce, can't explain why though. Massive decision to make for the board which may show us how serious they are and whether this letter carries validity. We certainly seem to have moved in the right direction, off the pitch. But time for them to show us.
-
I think it's a good statement.
-
I'd like to see what the real culprit has to say.
Damn shunammites, never there when the you know what hits the fan.
-
He's just repeated what we've been saying for ages. We're shit and we need to get a manager who will get us straight back up. I can't give him credit for stating the obvious - and even then he didn't express sympathy for those who lost their jobs because of the shortcomings of others. A meaningless communication. Has Lerner got nothing to say for himself , the twat.
-
Nice gesture TV. Much appreciated. The present Mrs Green and I may be going to that Toronto so if it is Warnock we might stay.
-
I can't give him credit for stating the obvious -
That's how I feel about everything that has happened at board level too. Why did it take relegation for them to bring in football people? For years and years they dismissed the clamour for football expertise. Lerner truly deserves this. The fans don't.
-
I think it's a good statement.
I agree. He didnt have to make a statement but he has chosen his words carefully. I would suggest the search for a suitable manager "commenced" some time ago. If its Moyes that will be acceptable. If its Pearson and he sorts out the troublemakers and gets us winning that too will be acceptable. If its Southgate well I dont know. I think Brian Little's input from outside the board could be very important. We shouldn't have to wait too long now its all over.
-
I appreciated the letter and the timing of the communication.
-
Nice gesture TV. Much appreciated. The present Mrs Green and I may be going to that Toronto so if it is Warnock we might stay.
Well Brian, I absolutely insist we meet up if you do come out here. Toronto is a wonderful place.
-
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04mhsmz
-
The next few weeks are going to tell us all we need to know about the direction of the club for the next few years.
Please back up the words.
-
It's actually what I wanted to hear and I believe him.
Good start.
Me too, but the acid test starts now. The appointment of the manager, the rooting out of any dead wood and the rebuilding of the squad are the tasks that face them and they will be judged on.
-
I'd be happier and find it easier to accept Hollis' statement if he explained why they decided to surrender our PL status in January without a fight. Why did they choose to make no signings?
-
seems like he saying the search for the new manager has just commenced
No, the search for a new manager started when they decided to allow Garde to leave/sack him. They are taking their time to work out the best way forward and the manager is a key part. The Club is broken and there are many ways to try and put it back together again. Jumping quickly to appoint a manager before all of the issues are established and a strategy worked out, would not be the best way.
When I read that phrase by Hollis it sounds as if the search has only commenced recently, and not when Garde left.
-
He's written a letter.Big deal.
-
Would have been to hear from the real culprit rather than his latest puppet.
-
I think the club should just get a move on in appointing the next saviour.
-
Would have been to hear from the real culprit rather than his latest puppet.
He's the chairman now, why would be not him to make the statement?
-
Good statement. Hopefully good decisions will follow.
-
Would have been to hear from the real culprit rather than his latest puppet.
What has Hollis done in the months since he has been here that makes him a 'puppet'?
-
Would have been to hear from the real culprit rather than his latest puppet.
What has Hollis done in the months since he has been here that makes him a 'puppet'?
Failed to sanction the strengthening of the squad during the January transfer window?
-
Would have been to hear from the real culprit rather than his latest puppet.
What has Hollis done in the months since he has been here that makes him a 'puppet'?
Failed to sanction the strengthening of the squad during the January transfer window?
How do you know that wasn't his decision? Wouldn't cast him in a good light either, but we don't know. Also, while ridiculous that we didn't get deals over the line, it's been documented that we did make bids so clearly spending had been sanctioned. Just not to the extent we needed to get the deals done.
Aside from that, he's very obviously been pulling the strings since the disastrous transfer window so I don't see how he is a puppet.
-
Would have been to hear from the real culprit rather than his latest puppet.
What has Hollis done in the months since he has been here that makes him a 'puppet'?
Only one thing in my mind.
The great January betrayal of 2016 must in part still be set at his door. Sure he was only here for a couple of weeks but he was Chairman when Lerners board decided to get relegated instead of try and stay up.
The alternative scenario is he actually agreed with or even worse decided to get relegated by not backing Garde at all. Which would make him less of a puppet but more of something a lot worse.
Still that single terrible first few weeks aside he at least is saying the right things. We shall see if the decisions follow I guess.
-
I'll be holding off proclaiming anyone as our saviour until I see some actual evidence of things improving. Appointing a new board in itself is not enough, I want to see them start to change things.
-
Would have been to hear from the real culprit rather than his latest puppet.
What has Hollis done in the months since he has been here that makes him a 'puppet'?
Failed to sanction the strengthening of the squad during the January transfer window?
And you have proof that it was Lerner who told him to do that? Or irrespective of whether you agree with it or not, is it not possible that Hollis made that call based on the circumstances of each deal that was on the table?
-
Would have been to hear from the real culprit rather than his latest puppet.
What has Hollis done in the months since he has been here that makes him a 'puppet'?
Failed to sanction the strengthening of the squad during the January transfer window?
How do you know that wasn't his decision?
I suspect it was, which makes him a puppet to Lerner and his intention not to spend more money.
-
At least he's said something. But, as others have said, actions in the coming weeks and months will show his true intentions.
I'd also like him to have identified the 4 main culprits from the playing staff for their performances and off field antics with the announcement of public floggings taking place for us all to attend for free.
-
Would have been to hear from the real culprit rather than his latest puppet.
What has Hollis done in the months since he has been here that makes him a 'puppet'?
Failed to sanction the strengthening of the squad during the January transfer window?
How do you know that wasn't his decision?
I suspect it was, which makes him a puppet to Lerner and his intention not to spend more money.
That's makes absolutely no sense. If Hollis made the decision then it is Hollis' decision. What part of that makes him a puppet to anyone?
-
I think the club should just get a move on in appointing the next saviour.
Ant or Dec?
-
Well if Lerner wanted to spend money and Hollis overrode it then he is off to a very bad start. That act of surrender was and is a disgrace to the club.
But I doubt it. Randy just doesnt seem to like the January window since Bent.
Lerner waited till after the window closed before firing Lambert. Likewise this year the "oh wait till the new chairman comes Remi" strategy seems to have been used to avoid buying players.
At least thats the only explanation that makes sense to me. I disregard any excuse that no players would come. That is just absurd.
-
He strikes me as a bit of a wannabe philosopher,
Another doctor anyone?
-
I'll be holding off proclaiming anyone as our saviour until I see some actual evidence of things improving. Appointing a new board in itself is not enough, I want to see them start to change things.
I might be wrong but haven't they already started by removing all the admin for the new manager to a Head of Football so that he can solely concentrate on first team matters? For me that's a smart move as supports our objective of focusing on an immediate return.
-
I'll be holding off proclaiming anyone as our saviour until I see some actual evidence of things improving. Appointing a new board in itself is not enough, I want to see them start to change things.
I might be wrong but haven't they already started by removing all the admin for the new manager to a Head of Football so that he can solely concentrate on first team matters? For me that's a smart move as supports our objective of focusing on an immediate return.
Who is the head of football?
-
Well if Lerner wanted to spend money and Hollis overrode it then he is off to a very bad start. That act of surrender was and is a disgrace to the club.
But I doubt it. Randy just doesnt seem to like the January window since Bent.
Lerner waited till after the window closed before firing Lambert. Likewise this year the "oh wait till the new chairman comes Remi" strategy seems to have been used to avoid buying players.
At least thats the only explanation that makes sense to me. I disregard any excuse that no players would come. That is just absurd.
Would have been to hear from the real culprit rather than his latest puppet.
What has Hollis done in the months since he has been here that makes him a 'puppet'?
Failed to sanction the strengthening of the squad during the January transfer window?
How do you know that wasn't his decision?
I suspect it was, which makes him a puppet to Lerner and his intention not to spend more money.
That's makes absolutely no sense. If Hollis made the decision then it is Hollis' decision. What part of that makes him a puppet to anyone?
If he made the decision himself then he's not a puppet he's more of a twat. No patronising statement to fans can excuse this.
-
I'll be holding off proclaiming anyone as our saviour until I see some actual evidence of things improving. Appointing a new board in itself is not enough, I want to see them start to change things.
I might be wrong but haven't they already started by removing all the admin for the new manager to a Head of Football so that he can solely concentrate on first team matters? For me that's a smart move as supports our objective of focusing on an immediate return.
Who is the head of football?
If I told you I'd have to kill you.
-
I'll be holding off proclaiming anyone as our saviour until I see some actual evidence of things improving. Appointing a new board in itself is not enough, I want to see them start to change things.
I might be wrong but haven't they already started by removing all the admin for the new manager to a Head of Football so that he can solely concentrate on first team matters? For me that's a smart move as supports our objective of focusing on an immediate return.
Who is the head of football?
Bernstein is the head of the football board which hires & fires the manager under the new structure.
-
Well if Lerner wanted to spend money and Hollis overrode it then he is off to a very bad start. That act of surrender was and is a disgrace to the club.
But I doubt it. Randy just doesnt seem to like the January window since Bent.
Lerner waited till after the window closed before firing Lambert. Likewise this year the "oh wait till the new chairman comes Remi" strategy seems to have been used to avoid buying players.
At least thats the only explanation that makes sense to me. I disregard any excuse that no players would come. That is just absurd.
Would have been to hear from the real culprit rather than his latest puppet.
What has Hollis done in the months since he has been here that makes him a 'puppet'?
Failed to sanction the strengthening of the squad during the January transfer window?
How do you know that wasn't his decision?
I suspect it was, which makes him a puppet to Lerner and his intention not to spend more money.
That's makes absolutely no sense. If Hollis made the decision then it is Hollis' decision. What part of that makes him a puppet to anyone?
If he made the decision himself then he's not a puppet he's more of a twat. No patronising statement to fans can excuse this.
Or you could say he saved money - some of the players targeted have done nothing with their new teams.
It's irrelevant now but I doubt there or four players would have made any difference.
-
How do you know that wasn't his decision?
I suspect it was, which makes him a puppet to Lerner
If he made the decision himself then he's not a puppet
Out of interest, which of these two directly opposing views do you hold?
-
Or you could say he saved money - some of the players targeted have done nothing with their new teams.
It's irrelevant now but I doubt there or four players would have made any difference.
I think its still relevant. Good counter point about the targeted players not doing great at their new teams though. I honestly had not thought to look at that.
-
How do you know that wasn't his decision?
I suspect it was, which makes him a puppet to Lerner
If he made the decision himself then he's not a puppet
Out of interest, which of these two directly opposing views do you hold?
In the second of those statements I was answering a point made by Toronto Villa and it followed on from his comment. As you know, it is only a part of my post.
Please don't try to score clever points by quoting me out of context.
-
I want hear what Darren Woolley has to say about this letter before making up my mind as I am heavily influenced by that man.
-
In the second of those statements I was answering a point made by Toronto Villa and it followed on from his comment. As you know, it is only a part of my post.
Please don't try to score clever points by quoting me out of context.
OK. Here are both of your full quotes.
"I suspect it was (his decision), which makes him a puppet to Lerner and his intention not to spend more money."
"If he made the decision himself then he's not a puppet he's more of a twat. No patronising statement to fans can excuse this."
My question still stands - if he made the decision himself as you accept he did, is he (a) a puppet as you said in your first quote, or (b) not a puppet as you said in your second quote?
-
I welcome the letter. It could have gone further and said that the problems did not start this season, but its welcome that it was said that the process of identifying the root causes started long ago, and we await the results of that. The finger would have to point ultimately at LErner, but he is not going anywhere, unless someone wants to buy the club
some time ago I suggested a fan's inquiry into the \Villa's decline, and Dave Woodall asks who would staff it. Its a fair point, and there is no simple answer. The desire has to be there, and then it is up to volunteers. No volunteers, no inquiry. If the club does get down to root causes, then there is no need for a fans' inquiry.
For the time being, it is sensible to let Hollis and the board pursue their policies. If there is progress, no need for the fans to do anything. But nothing less than root and branch reform is required, so keeping a watching brief is what we have to do.
Trevor Fisher
-
Oh Christ, here we go again
Shaffali Oza
-
In the second of those statements I was answering a point made by Toronto Villa and it followed on from his comment. As you know, it is only a part of my post.
Please don't try to score clever points by quoting me out of context.
OK. Here are both of your full quotes.
"I suspect it was (his decision), which makes him a puppet to Lerner and his intention not to spend more money."
"If he made the decision himself then he's not a puppet he's more of a twat. No patronising statement to fans can excuse this."
My question still stands - if he made the decision himself as you accept he did, is he (a) a puppet as you said in your first quote, or (b) not a puppet as you said in your second quote?
My response to you still stands. The second statement is in response to TV who made the point that Hollis, in his opinion, made the decision not to spend in January himself. My comment therefore followed on from that to say that if that was the case he was not a puppet but something worse.
Your quotes are still out of context because they don't include the full conversation. Your points add nothing and are pedantic "clever dick" remarks.
-
I welcome the letter. It could have gone further and said that the problems did not start this season, but its welcome that it was said that the process of identifying the root causes started long ago, and we await the results of that. The finger would have to point ultimately at LErner, but he is not going anywhere, unless someone wants to buy the club
some time ago I suggested a fan's inquiry into the \Villa's decline, and Dave Woodall asks who would staff it. Its a fair point, and there is no simple answer. The desire has to be there, and then it is up to volunteers. No volunteers, no inquiry. If the club does get down to root causes, then there is no need for a fans' inquiry.
For the time being, it is sensible to let Hollis and the board pursue their policies. If there is progress, no need for the fans to do anything. But nothing less than root and branch reform is required, so keeping a watching brief is what we have to do.
Trevor Fisher
I agree. We must wait and see what transpires.........because we have no choice.
Ronnie Manager
-
Good start. Don't tell me show me now! I like him
-
In the second of those statements I was answering a point made by Toronto Villa and it followed on from his comment. As you know, it is only a part of my post.
Please don't try to score clever points by quoting me out of context.
OK. Here are both of your full quotes.
"I suspect it was (his decision), which makes him a puppet to Lerner and his intention not to spend more money."
"If he made the decision himself then he's not a puppet he's more of a twat. No patronising statement to fans can excuse this."
My question still stands - if he made the decision himself as you accept he did, is he (a) a puppet as you said in your first quote, or (b) not a puppet as you said in your second quote?
My response to you still stands. The second statement is in response to TV who made the point that Hollis, in his opinion, made the decision not to spend in January himself. My comment therefore followed on from that to say that if that was the case he was not a puppet but something worse.
Your quotes are still out of context because they don't include the full conversation. Your points add nothing and are pedantic "clever dick" remarks.
I give up. They weren't pedantic 'clever dick' remarks - I was asking if you think he is a puppet or not.
Because if you think he is, I disagree. If you think he isn't, I agree. It's quite fundamental to the conversation we were having and I found your posts confusing so asked you to clarify.
Perplexed in Poland.
-
I suppose he means well, but its rather like getting an apology and a promise to not do it again off the guy who drove over your dog and killed it. That's what they don't get in corporate land. Football is not like other businesses where you apologise to the customers when the product is faulty and hope they don't start buying off you rivals. No-one has ever been plunged into 6 months of depression because their Dyson was on the blink. Its a gesture i suppose but all a bit meh really
-
You are right sicko. Football is like Art. Whatever you say about it you could say the opposite and it would still be true.
Alphonse Leponse
-
Perplexed in Poland.
I would be too ,living there ;)
-
Does he mean it? The identity of the next manager will tell us.
He'll mean it as much as Lerner will allow him to.
-
I suspect not spending money in January will be a stick to beat Hollis with for a while but I also believe that it will turn out to have been the right thing to do. Newcastle were in a much more salvageable situation and spent big to try to stay up but if anything they got worse and are coming down with us. The difference is they're doing it with an extra 150-200k p/w on the wage bill and £25m less in the bank. Yes they'll sell some of the players they picked up this season but like us they're going to struggle to get their money back.
In truth we were so far back after the sunderland and norwich games at Christmas that I can understand the reluctance to spend, I honestly think that if we'd got 4-6 points from those 2 the window would've been very different.
-
In the second of those statements I was answering a point made by Toronto Villa and it followed on from his comment. As you know, it is only a part of my post.
Please don't try to score clever points by quoting me out of context.
OK. Here are both of your full quotes.
"I suspect it was (his decision), which makes him a puppet to Lerner and his intention not to spend more money."
"If he made the decision himself then he's not a puppet he's more of a twat. No patronising statement to fans can excuse this."
My question still stands - if he made the decision himself as you accept he did, is he (a) a puppet as you said in your first quote, or (b) not a puppet as you said in your second quote?
My response to you still stands. The second statement is in response to TV who made the point that Hollis, in his opinion, made the decision not to spend in January himself. My comment therefore followed on from that to say that if that was the case he was not a puppet but something worse.
Your quotes are still out of context because they don't include the full conversation. Your points add nothing and are pedantic "clever dick" remarks.
I give up. They weren't pedantic 'clever dick' remarks - I was asking if you think he is a puppet or not.
Because if you think he is, I disagree. If you think he isn't, I agree. It's quite fundamental to the conversation we were having and I found your posts confusing so asked you to clarify.
Perplexed in Poland.
One more try, Perplexed.
I think he is a puppet, but if he made the decision not to spend in January himself as contended by some, then he's not a puppet but worse. This should be a simple concept to understand but does entail reading and understanding conversations in full.
If you still don't get this then I give up too.
-
I think we will have a decent idea of where the club is heading when we see who we appoint and the first few players we bring in to the club.
-
One more try, Perplexed.
I think he is a puppet, but if he made the decision not to spend in January himself as contended by some, then he's not a puppet but worse. This should be a simple concept to understand but does entail reading and understanding conversations in full.
If you still don't get this then I give up too.
OK, thanks very much. It's been a delight.
-
One more try, Perplexed.
I think he is a puppet, but if he made the decision not to spend in January himself as contended by some, then he's not a puppet but worse. This should be a simple concept to understand but does entail reading and understanding conversations in full.
If you still don't get this then I give up too.
OK, thanks very much. It's been a delight.
A delight, I wouldn't go so far
-
How about a partial refund for all season ticket holders Steve? Oh okay. I thought not...
-
How about a partial refund for all season ticket holders Steve? Oh okay. I thought not...
If we'd won the league would you be volunteering to pay more?
-
How about a partial refund for all season ticket holders Steve? Oh okay. I thought not...
If we'd won the league would you be volunteering to pay more?
No. But I wouldn't have felt like I'd been taken for a ****** for 5 years...
-
it is twenty past eight on sunday, and am watching Rock Around the Clock on Channel 9. The blurb is about Steve Hollis, stating that "chancing upon a small town rock n roll band, Steve Hollis believes he can help them hit the big time" and the sixty year old B movie features Bill Haley and the Comets, the Platters and some great jiving - and the acts were made successful world class stars by Steve.
Sadly not our Steve Hollis.
But maybe an omen of things to come? Not that the first team will ever do the lindy hop.... on current evidence they would trip over their own feet.
Trevor FIsher.
-
I saw a Whippet today.
Sir Loin of Beef
-
How about a partial refund for all season ticket holders Steve? Oh okay. I thought not...
If we'd won the league would you be volunteering to pay more?
No. But I wouldn't have felt like I'd been taken for a c*** for 5 years...
A ticket guarantees you entry, nothing else.
-
See if you can catch it Dave. I promised my grandsons I would take them whippet racing.
Bartholomew Pomfrett
-
How about a partial refund for all season ticket holders Steve? Oh okay. I thought not...
If we'd won the league would you be volunteering to pay more?
No. But I wouldn't have felt like I'd been taken for a c*** for 5 years...
A ticket guarantees you entry, nothing else.
So all of these thousands of posts, opinions, arguments, viewpoints, cheap coaches, free scarves, goodbye shirts from Melberg etc etc etc mean nothing then..?
-
A scarf in the hand is worth two on the pitch.
Edward Ian Armchair.
-
Knock me down with a feather
Juan Bobo
-
Beulah, peel me a grape.
Mae West
-
How about a partial refund for all season ticket holders Steve? Oh okay. I thought not...
If we'd won the league would you be volunteering to pay more?
No. But I wouldn't have felt like I'd been taken for a c*** for 5 years...
A ticket guarantees you entry, nothing else.
So all of these thousands of posts, opinions, arguments, viewpoints, cheap coaches, free scarves, goodbye shirts from Melberg etc etc etc mean nothing then..?
No, it just means you don't get your dosh back if we are cack.
-
bstrd twt fk uslss twt twt twt we are relegated twt cnt twt
fuck off john
-
How about a partial refund for all season ticket holders Steve? Oh okay. I thought not...
If we'd won the league would you be volunteering to pay more?
No. But I wouldn't have felt like I'd been taken for a c*** for 5 years...
A ticket guarantees you entry, nothing else.
So all of these thousands of posts, opinions, arguments, viewpoints, cheap coaches, free scarves, goodbye shirts from Melberg etc etc etc mean nothing then..?
No, it just means you don't get your dosh back if we are cack.
Maybe. How we'd swoon if they gave us a free scarf though...
-
"That's a weight off my shoulders"
The great joleon Beckenbauer
-
I think it's a good statement.
So do I
-
Dear Mr Hollis,
I appreciate you've got a massive chopper, and will put it to good use in the summer. I was just wondering if you could possibly set up some stocks for the useless barsteds being employed to wear "our shirt" so us that do put money into the club can at least show our demi gods just how we feel.
I think your doing a marvellous job moving the money loses round, hope your being well reimbursed,
All the Best
Tony
ps
even when you do fuck things up Randy will give you more of the clubs money to go away with.
-
Dear Mr Hollis,
I appreciate you've got a massive chopper, and will put it to good use in the summer. I was just wondering if you could possibly set up some stocks for the useless barsteds being employed to wear "our shirt" so us that do put money into the club can at least show our demi gods just how we feel.
I think your doing a marvellous job moving the money loses round, hope your being well reimbursed,
All the Best
Tony
ps
even when you do fuck things up Randy will give you more of the clubs money to go away with.
oh god
-
I think we will have a decent idea of where the club is heading when we see who we appoint and the first few players we bring in to the club.
And who we try to keep /offload.
I would like just one of our players to come out and apologise for their / team underperformance and the factual lack of miles covered per player ,
I'm sure Micah has just been waiting until relegation is confirmed before putting his apology as captain in his column in the programme.
-
Is Hollis going to take responsibility for not investing in January?
-
Fair play to Hollis, whilst the new board are making the right noises there's still one overriding factor, Lerner is still pulling the strings. Until he decides if he's going to invest further or leave us to fester then were still in Limboland
-
How about a partial refund for all season ticket holders Steve? Oh okay. I thought not...
If we'd won the league would you be volunteering to pay more?
Great shout Ads! Maybe the Villa could do that very thing next season so we can see it goes? :)
-
How about a partial refund for all season ticket holders Steve? Oh okay. I thought not...
If we'd won the league would you be volunteering to pay more?
Great shout Ads! Maybe the Villa could do that very thing next season so we can see it goes? :)
Good idea. Win the league then put out the tip jar at the end of the game. I would put some money in it :)
-
Perhaps prices should be based on the previous season's performance. So they'd be paying us to attend next term.
-
I agree. We must wait and see what transpires.........because we have no choice.
Ronnie Manager
Dear Ron Manager
Pardon my ignorance but I may have addressed you as Ron in the past however I note that you have signed off as Ronnie Manager. In future shall I use Ronnie or do you only use Ronnie as part of your official duty in serving the kingdom?
-
There's a lot of ballyhoo and nonsense spouted in open letters. The birch, the wheel and a bloody good buggering is what some of these blighters need.
Victor Ian Values.
-
There's a lot of ballyhoo and nonsense spouted in open letters. The birch, the wheel and a bloody good buggering is what some of these blighters need.
Victor Ian Values.
I'm not so sure. For example, at seasonal times of the year it's good to know how the other half are living, by means of a mass communication .
I M'Dreaming
Arfur White
Chris Muss
Juss Lyke
D. Ones
I. Usterknow
-
Why are my bedsprings rusty?
I.P. Knightly
-
He says something and some criticise him he says nothing and more criticise him for it, like most I will wait to see who the next manager is before drawing any conclusions, this is one managerial appointment where he needs the overwhelming majority of supporters on side.
-
He says something and some criticise him he says nothing and more criticise him for it, like most I will wait to see who the next manager is before drawing any conclusions, this is one managerial appointment where he needs the overwhelming majority of supporters on side.
i think bernstein is choosing the manager , not hollis
-
Without meaning to piss on anyone's chips but wasn't there a similar statement made by Paul Faulkner after TSM 1 left.
From that statement to Scott Sinclair on the Villa show last night they have on Eurosport in Oz saying how they're all giveing 100%, I'm over their bullshit words, I just want to see actions now.
David Moyes with a genuine war chest would be a good start.
-
A good statement, the only bit I take issue with is this.
We intend to restore Aston Villa Football Club to its rightful place.
Just because we are the greatest Club in the world does not mean we are not going exactly where we deserve.
-
It's much easier to describe a problem than to solve it.
-
I'm not bothered about it either way. I'm too old. The hard fact is that we have been relegated. The cynic in me says that that letter was drafted in January and has been sitting on his computer since.
Earl Grey
-
I don't see a great deal wrong with the statement. They've acknowledged that the club has not been run properly and stated their intention to put things right. There wasn't a lot else he could say.
-
I don't see a great deal wrong with the statement. They've acknowledged that the club has not been run properly and stated their intention to put things right. There wasn't a lot else he could say.
I agree. Damned if they do, damned if they don't in this case.
-
I don't see a great deal wrong with the statement. They've acknowledged that the club has not been run properly and stated their intention to put things right. There wasn't a lot else he could say.
I agree. Damned if they do, damned if they don't in this case.
They haven't acknowledged the redundancies and they haven't criticised anyone. I'll wait to see who the next manager is and how much he can spend before I'll believe a single word that comes out of the club at the moment. They've got form when it comes to saying the right thing and then doing completely the opposite.
-
I respect him for making the statement. I hope the sentiments he expressed remain in the forefront of his mind when he has harder things to do. Like paying off Gabby's contract. Or scraping enough money together to get GazBaz back.
-
It's much easier to describe a problem than to solve it.
Says a journalist...
-
It's much easier to describe a problem than to solve it.
If you got a problem Yo I'll solve it
-
I don't see a great deal wrong with the statement. They've acknowledged that the club has not been run properly and stated their intention to put things right. There wasn't a lot else he could say.
I agree. Damned if they do, damned if they don't in this case.
They haven't acknowledged the redundancies and they haven't criticised anyone. I'll wait to see who the next manager is and how much he can spend before I'll believe a single word that comes out of the club at the moment. They've got form when it comes to saying the right thing and then doing completely the opposite.
They have commented on the redundancies before, he made it pretty clear that a full review was going to happen, the same review that has led to the redundancies you're complaining about is the one which saw Almstadt and Fox leave.
I don't see the point in a statement/letter that criticises the people who caused the problem, we've all identified that and as many as possible have already been removed from the club.
In the long run, who the manager is, and how the summer goes, is what he should be judged on so it's wait until september for me.
-
It's much easier to describe a problem than to solve it.
Says a journalist...
Says a Villa supporter.
-
Blimey what is wrong with this letter. It's like 'what have the romans ever done for us' sometimes on here. It's more than that bumbling idiot who owns us has managed during his lifetime in charge (I discount incoherent ramblings about shummamites in that). It is a good letter. Obviously the next decision is vital but I believe (if for nothing else his bonus at the end of it) Hollis is trying to put it right.
-
It's a start
-
Dear Mr Hollis,
I appreciate you've got a massive chopper, and will put it to good use in the summer. I was just wondering if you could possibly set up some stocks for the useless barsteds being employed to wear "our shirt" so us that do put money into the club can at least show our demi gods just how we feel.
I think your doing a marvellous job moving the money loses round, hope your being well reimbursed,
All the Best
Tony
ps
even when you do fuck things up Randy will give you more of the clubs money to go away with.
Just what exactly has he done so far to warrant this?
-
Precisely. Just need our next manager to come in and say 'It smelt all wrong, it was really on the way down, people say it can't happen to a big club but it can, and because they are a big club they slide even quicker. But by the same token, because they are a big club, they can bounce back that bit quicker.'
-
It's a start.
At least it looks like the board and the fans are saying the same thing.
It makes a change from the bullsh*t we have had previously.
Now show us you mean those words about "drive, direction and immediate promotion" by appointing a manager and backing him.
-
It's much easier to describe a problem than to solve it.
Says a journalist...
Says a Villa supporter.
I know, 'twas light hearted!! I wouldn't offer out a boxer (actually I wouldn't offer anyone out) and I wouldn't try to outwit a writer. Totally off topic, but you have encapsulated in a sentence why protest is more fun and less morally ambiguous than politics.
-
It's much easier to describe a problem than to solve it.
Says a journalist...
Says a Villa supporter.
I know, 'twas light hearted!! I wouldn't offer out a boxer (actually I wouldn't offer anyone out) and I wouldn't try to outwit a writer. Totally off topic, but you have encapsulated in a sentence why protest is more fun and less morally ambiguous than politics.
Ah, sorry mike. I am being very thin-skinned at the moment. I was actually quoting Hillary Clinton, who said it about Bernie Sanders last week.
-
Blimey what is wrong with this letter. It's like 'what have the romans ever done for us' sometimes on here. It's more than that bumbling idiot who owns us has managed during his lifetime in charge (I discount incoherent ramblings about shummamites in that). It is a good letter. Obviously the next decision is vital but I believe (if for nothing else his bonus at the end of it) Hollis is trying to put it right.
well said Kippax. It's easy just tear everything to pieces. It'm impossible to cover everything that is going on, but this letter is on point to the events of this season and everyone knows there's a load of work to be done in all areas of the club to fix what is clearly broken.
-
It's much easier to describe a problem than to solve it.
Says a journalist...
Says a Villa supporter.
I know, 'twas light hearted!! I wouldn't offer out a boxer (actually I wouldn't offer anyone out) and I wouldn't try to outwit a writer. Totally off topic, but you have encapsulated in a sentence why protest is more fun and less morally ambiguous than politics.
Ah, sorry mike. I am being very thin-skinned at the moment. I was actually quoting Hillary Clinton, who said it about Bernie Sanders last week.
What Bernie supports the Villa, well I never
-
He'd improve our left wing when the alternative is Richardson.
-
Edward Ian Armchair.
Fucking hell! there's a blast from the past. I knew him when he was in a a band called The DHSS in Tamworth.
-
He'd improve our left wing when the alternative is Richardson.
It's hardly saying much Ads when this fella would also be markedly better than Richardson
(http://www.psdgraphics.com/file/traffic-cone.jpg)
-
[quoteDavid Moyes with a genuine war chest would be a good start. ][/quote]
Is that the same as a player having "genuine" pace
-
He'd improve our left wing when the alternative is Richardson.
With Bill Clinton playing in the hole
-
There's a lot of ballyhoo and nonsense spouted in open letters. The birch, the wheel and a bloody good buggering is what some of these blighters need.
Victor Ian Values.
I'm not so sure. For example, at seasonal times of the year it's good to know how the other half are living, by means of a mass communication .
I M'Dreaming
Arfur White
Chris Muss
Juss Lyke
D. Ones
I. Usterknow
We agree.
Dee Holly
Andy Ivy
-
He'd improve our left wing when the alternative is Richardson.
With Bill Clinton playing in the hole
That would end in a right mess.
Mind you to be inclusive of the right, Ted Cruz could prep the half time sandwiches for us.
-
If we concede any free kicks, we could use Donald Trump to build the wall
-
A good letter in my opinion.
Just proves the extent to which the Lerner appointments and of course Lerner himself had taken their eye off the ball literally (as have many of our players at crucial moments this season).
It is a pity about just how far the Club had to fall before action was taken to get the right people in to assess what was going on.
It has been obvious for some time that the "Luncatics had taken over the Asylum" and things were in free fall.
-
He'd improve our left wing when the alternative is Richardson.
With Bill Clinton playing in the hole
Trouble with that would be he'd insist on finding a new moniker for the team
-
He'd improve our left wing when the alternative is Richardson.
With Bill Clinton playing in the hole
That would end in a right mess.
Mind you to be inclusive of the right, Ted Cruz could prep the half time sandwiches for us.
I think Clinton prefers a different type of Cuban at half-time...but anyway, what difference at this point does it make ?
-
Bernstien and King have just resigned!!
-
Can we have another letter please Steve....
-
Well this all makes his other letter look ridiculous. Talk of a board focussing on identifying root causes of the problems and putting the means in place to ensure it doesn't happen again. Then two of them resign and it turns out we are being sold.
-
This bloke is a clown.
-
I don't see a great deal wrong with the statement. They've acknowledged that the club has not been run properly and stated their intention to put things right. There wasn't a lot else he could say.
I agree. Damned if they do, damned if they don't in this case.
They haven't acknowledged the redundancies and they haven't criticised anyone. I'll wait to see who the next manager is and how much he can spend before I'll believe a single word that comes out of the club at the moment. They've got form when it comes to saying the right thing and then doing completely the opposite.
Very prescient of you
-
May as well through that open letter in the bin, it means nothing now. That is a spectacular u turn even by Villa standards.
-
The question 'what the fuck is going on' springs to mind
-
The two things just don't tie up. Something big has changed this last couple of days.
-
I'm looking forward to the net open letter...
-
The two things just don't tie up. Something big has changed this last couple of days.
Has to be something to do with the new manager search.
Less than three weeks since Bernstein issued his statement about the power of the football board. Less than two days since Hollis issued his open letter. Two and a half weeks since Bevington arrived. Hollis has been repeatedly talking up this new structure - quite rightly - and surely he has to go now as well. Sales don't happen this quickly, that sentence has been thrown in to create a distraction from the real problem in my opinion.
-
Can we have another letter please Steve....
...it's an R
-
The two things just don't tie up. Something big has changed this last couple of days.
I agree, and its terrifying.
-
Here's my open letter.
Won't somebody please make it stop.
Lots of love,
PWS
Birmingham
England
UK
Europe
Earth
-
Im with you there PWS
Solar System
Milky Way
Universe
-
The two things just don't tie up. Something big has changed this last couple of days.
In the last few hours Chelts. What on earth could have happened that so dramatically changed the path the club seemed to going down? Metaphorically it's like they were blindsided by an 18 wheeler from the side when there appeared nobody else on the road. It defies all logic?
-
It couldn't be more ridiculous. This morning, all we had to cling to was that the club may have finally seen a bit of sense and were putting things in some sort of order. By tea time we're even worse than before.
-
It couldn't be more ridiculous. This morning, all we had to cling to was that the club may have finally seen a bit of sense and were putting things in some sort of order. By tea time we're even worse than before.
It's unbelievable. I switched off my laptop and phone for six hours while teaching thinking the worst was over and actually quite looking forward to the upcoming player cull and new manager, and then came back online to see this. I actually feel more pissed off by today's news than yesterday's relegation. At least we knew that was coming.
-
It couldn't be more ridiculous. This morning, all we had to cling to was that the club may have finally seen a bit of sense and were putting things in some sort of order. By tea time we're even worse than before.
It's unbelievable. I switched off my laptop and phone for six hours while teaching thinking the worst was over and actually quite looking forward to the upcoming player cull and new manager, and then came back online to see this. I actually feel more pissed off by today news than yesterday's relegation. At least we knew that was coming.
Exactly how I feel. I'm going to be trawling on the internet all night now too.
-
Is there any point to this man?
-
If he stays he's a puppet, if he leaves we'll get another puppet.
-
So it appears he is heavily involved in selling the club and dealing with an out of control Agbonlahor......by himself!
Certainly earning his corn
-
So it appears he is heavily involved in selling the club and dealing with an out of control Agbonlahor......by himself!
Certainly earning his corn
I doubt he will be here very long.
-
We have been down the in negotiations scenario how many times? Lerner must piss so many potential buyers off for there not to have been a sale by now. He could have probably sold us for 120 million last summer now he will be lucky to get half of that, brilliant business man.
-
We have been down the in negotiations scenario how many times? Lerner must piss so many potential buyers off for there not to have been a sale by now. He could have probably sold us for 120 million last summer now he will be lucky to get half of that, brilliant business man.
The last thing you do is sit on a depreciating asset. You either do something to stop it depreciating or you sell.
-
The prospective buyers might have said they'll make their own changes, so don't do anything. If you do, all deals are off.
-
The prospective buyers might have said they'll make their own changes, so don't do anything. If you do, all deals are off.
More likely the opposite - buyers would want all the shit sorted at the owners expense before taking over - unless the suggested costs of those changes are removed from the asking price.
-
A good letter in my opinion.
Just proves the extent to which the Lerner appointments and of course Lerner himself had taken their eye off the ball literally (as have many of our players at crucial moments this season).
It is a pity about just how far the Club had to fall before action was taken to get the right people in to assess what was going on.
It has been obvious for some time that the "Luncatics had taken over the Asylum" and things were in free fall.
The lunatic(s) have taken back control over the asylum
-
Sadly, they aren't coming to take them away, ha ha!