it is ridiculous to even talk of replacing Dean Smith at all. There is no better manager for Villa than Dean Smith regardless of current results. Rome wasn't built in a day and Manure were shit for a long time whilst Fergusson built his squad, Chelsea Mancity and 'The Mighty Reds YNWA' have all taken time to build their squads as did Wenger at Arsenal. Get some patience or continue to see a revolving managers door. If Smith goes Grealish will be out in no time too. We knew this season would be tough but at least it is entertaining along the way.....or would you prefer bruceball back again ?[true but none of those teams were i danger of being relegated
I normally get frustrated with managers who don't display a sense of having an overarching plan and philosophy that includes trying to play good, attacking football and bringing through or bringing in talented young players who can apply the philosophy. You can see that Smith is trying to do something like that and it's a refreshing change from the dinosaurs like Bruce, Mcleish and O'Neill and incompetent fuckwits like Lambert and Sherwood. That's why I'm way more patient with him, not because he's "one of us". But - tactical nous and flexibility is a big part of succeeding with such a philosophy and Smith looks alarmingly wanting in that department so far. You often see other managers making small tactical or personnel changes at half time (e.g. Rogers) that swing things their way, because they have spotted how to nullify danger areas or exploit weaknesses. Smith doesn't seem to have that ability. Unless he develops it very soon he'll be in big trouble and so will we.
Smith can't organise a defence. You can get away with that in the championship but not here. This is where I'd have thought Terry would earn his crust ... at least his original game plan is more considered and his grasp of the game, but that lack of ability to turn things around is causing problems.
Quote from: supertom on December 15, 2019, 10:43:06 AMSmith can't organise a defence. You can get away with that in the championship but not here. This is where I'd have thought Terry would earn his crust ... at least his original game plan is more considered and his grasp of the game, but that lack of ability to turn things around is causing problems. Tom, that is a super post, and it captures alot of what's been going on.Question: why can the club not see that trying the same old approach and expecting a different outcome is foolish?
Quote from: ktvillan on December 15, 2019, 10:15:06 AMI normally get frustrated with managers who don't display a sense of having an overarching plan and philosophy that includes trying to play good, attacking football and bringing through or bringing in talented young players who can apply the philosophy. You can see that Smith is trying to do something like that and it's a refreshing change from the dinosaurs like Bruce, Mcleish and O'Neill and incompetent fuckwits like Lambert and Sherwood. That's why I'm way more patient with him, not because he's "one of us". But - tactical nous and flexibility is a big part of succeeding with such a philosophy and Smith looks alarmingly wanting in that department so far. You often see other managers making small tactical or personnel changes at half time (e.g. Rogers) that swing things their way, because they have spotted how to nullify danger areas or exploit weaknesses. Smith doesn't seem to have that ability. Unless he develops it very soon he'll be in big trouble and so will we. Very well put. I suppose he has a few games to suddenly develop tactical awareness. But I’m not holding my breath. Some of his shortcomings are such basic common sense stuff that most of us can see them easily. It’s a real worry.
On the defence point, I think ¾ of it is OK, ie the central pairing and Guilbert, and Heaton is fine. But the midfield in front of it is the problem. There's no settled three, and they provide no protection at all. The make up of it changes every week, as Smith lurches between a combination of Nakamba, Luiz, McGinn and Hourihane. McGinn has probably been the worst of the lot in recent games, but is the only guaranteed starter. In addition, neither El Ghazi or Trezeguet provide any protection down the right. In short I just don't think the formation is working, but Smith is welded to it like a limpet to a rock.