The General C. Krulak Thread XVI

[PaulMcGrathsNo5Shirt]

General -

Cheap tickets for every game and fothcoming games should be applauded for trying to get the fans in, but can you tell me why the hell I bothered with a season ticket?
 At the moment it seems it would have been cheaper for me to buy them on a match by match basis. Of course I get my 10% discount on my replica shir..... oh no I can't can I?

[peter w]

General

I see that having been encouraged to apply for the job, not get it, then be asked to fill in for an indeterminate amount of time until the new boss starts, Kevin MacDonald is assessing his future with the club.  Can we afford to lose yet another vital part of the coaching infrastructure?

Alternatively, why not sit on it until February 1st then come up with something?

[sfx412]

General

I see that having been encouraged to apply for the job, not get it, then be asked to fill in for an indeterminate amount of time until the new boss starts, Kevin MacDonald is assessing his future with the club.  Can we afford to lose yet another vital part of the coaching infrastructure?

They, I think, found a decent replacement for Mon so finding a new reserve team coach shouldn't be beyond them.
Mind appointing a number 2 even 3 to Houllier shouldn't be as demanding a task either, and it seemingly is. Where there none at the meeting in France last night I wonder.

[peter w]

Oh, they found a replacement did they? When does our manager start? We were told that they would take time to get the right man. They didn't say that we'd then have to wait until God knows when to have our manager start, and also have to then find a number two.

This has been a bloody shambles and the board and ex-manager, between them, have cost us 6 points in the league, our place in the Europa league, and God knows whatever else until we have some stability at the helm. Which we still haven't got and its mid September. Bright future indeed.

General, Randy is still seen very positively by if not all, the vast majority, and whilst it is admirable that you should always strive to be positive about him, this summer has been truly awful. Between the board and the manager you couldn't have given us a worse August and September if you tried of the pitch. It is being reflected on the pitch and whilst I appreciate, and accept, that the club are working hard to rectify it and give us a solid foundation once more, this really needs to be put to be bed as soon as possible. And every single one of you involved should hold up your hands and say as you Americans do, 'My bad'.

This is bloody ridiculous now.

[sfx412]

Oh, they found a replacement did they? When does our manager start?

This is bloody ridiculous now.

General, there seems to be some question that the Board have found their new manager, now.

< shakes head thingy>

[Dave Clark Five]

General

Is the current shambles having an effect on the stability of the, previously excellent, Reserve / Youth / Academy structure?

[Bosco81]

General,

              What is going to happen regarding the position of chief-scout? Will it become an in-club appointment or will it remain the preserve of the manager? Would it not be better to have a man at the club whose sole job it is to be employed by Aston Villa, and be answerable to Aston Villa. Maybe he can then also employ scouts out of his own budget. Obviously, if a manager wants to look at a player he does that anyway, but he could also ask the scouts to look at certain players as all managers have different ideas on players. but, what we can't keep repeating - and I don't know if this does happen - is when a managergoes and takes these people with him leaving a huge hole behind.

         So, will we look to appoint a scout, or will we let Houllier do it? If we are doing it, who are the contenders?

That is an excellent idea, Graham Taylor was on the radio last night saying that he attended a meeting with Paul Faulkener, Randy couldn't attend apparently, and GT's idea was that the club employ directly the staff for the manager, rather than the manager bringing in his own men each time. I can understand it for assistant managers and possibly a coach but certainly not the scouting network, which has hardly unearthed any hidden gems in recent years. Graham made the point that Kevin McDonald should be utilised as a first team coach with a manager/director of football above him, it seems strange to ask a man of GT's experience and knowledge for advice to then ignore it completely.

[peter w]

Oh, they found a replacement did they? When does our manager start?

This is bloody ridiculous now.

General, there seems to be some question that the Board have found their new manager, now.

< shakes head thingy>

yeah, shakes head thingy is right. A manager appointed who doesn't even know when he can start. We're not some young Bint (apologies to all young bints) who have given their notice into Tesco to go and work at the local nursery.

[ralph]

Hmmmm, where to start.

At the end of last season I decided not to renew my season ticket as I really couldn't justify the time and money spent. The team under O'Neill (whom I NEVER liked as a manager) were becoming increasingly more awful week after week. The player signings were mind boggling in the extreme, and the idea that as a club we were paying WELL over the odds for average players was finally enough. Was I going to continue putting my money into O'Neills hobbyhorse, was I f*** ! Whats worse is that our board were letting him get away with it, unbelievable.

I then mentioned to my brother and long time season ticket going fan that O'Neill would walk before the new season, and although I was out by about a week, he surely did. A spiteful move on his behalf and completely in character with his spoilt brattish behaviour.

Up steps a decent bloke (KMac) to try and get a grip on things while our board flap about and attempt to rectify a pretty dismal start to a season. (I am amazed the board didn't see O'Neills departure coming, or maybe you did, which makes the flapping even worse) either way, the top brass utterly failed in securing a new manager quickly and then when one was appointed, HE COULDN'T TURN UP !! Is someone having a laugh ? It is also reported that the new manager will be the highest earning manager in Villas history. (Providing that is, he shows his face). In the meantime, our stand in manager, who failed the interview, has been asked to carry on and fill in as best as he can until Houllier finally turns up. If I was in KMacs shoes you can bet I would have told you to stick the Villa up your arse by now for that one !!

Ultimately it strikes me that O'Neil was appointed and you were told he was good, so give him all your cash. You did and found out the hard way. You are now found wanting when it comes to top level organisation because you didnt have to do it when you arrived. I thank you for the mosaic and the shiny training ground, but those are the easy bits to fix, the hard bit is managing the manager.

Something of a rant I admit, and hardly constructive at this time I will agree, but this club is an absolute shambles. You gave away far to much power and authority to the wee man and your reaping the rewards. Hopefully the crowds will still turn up and keep the club going, after many years, I wont be one of them. I will not spend another penny on this club until you can demonstrate that you can run a business efficiently, after all, it is a business now isnt it.

[Phil from the upper holte]

Hmmmm, where to start.

At the end of last season I decided not to renew my season ticket as I really couldn't justify the time and money spent. The team under O'Neill (whom I NEVER liked as a manager) were becoming increasingly more awful week after week. The player signings were mind boggling in the extreme, and the idea that as a club we were paying WELL over the odds for average players was finally enough. Was I going to continue putting my money into O'Neills hobbyhorse, was I f*** ! Whats worse is that our board were letting him get away with it, unbelievable.

I then mentioned to my brother and long time season ticket going fan that O'Neill would walk before the new season, and although I was out by about a week, he surely did. A spiteful move on his behalf and completely in character with his spoilt brattish behaviour.

Up steps a decent bloke (KMac) to try and get a grip on things while our board flap about and attempt to rectify a pretty dismal start to a season. (I am amazed the board didn't see O'Neills departure coming, or maybe you did, which makes the flapping even worse) either way, the top brass utterly failed in securing a new manager quickly and then when one was appointed, HE COULDN'T TURN UP !! Is someone having a laugh ? It is also reported that the new manager will be the highest earning manager in Villas history. (Providing that is, he shows his face). In the meantime, our stand in manager, who failed the interview, has been asked to carry on and fill in as best as he can until Houllier finally turns up. If I was in KMacs shoes you can bet I would have told you to stick the Villa up your arse by now for that one !!

Ultimately it strikes me that O'Neil was appointed and you were told he was good, so give him all your cash. You did and found out the hard way. You are now found wanting when it comes to top level organisation because you didnt have to do it when you arrived. I thank you for the mosaic and the shiny training ground, but those are the easy bits to fix, the hard bit is managing the manager.

Something of a rant I admit, and hardly constructive at this time I will agree, but this club is an absolute shambles. You gave away far to much power and authority to the wee man and your reaping the rewards. Hopefully the crowds will still turn up and keep the club going, after many years, I wont be one of them. I will not spend another penny on this club until you can demonstrate that you can run a business efficiently, after all, it is a business now isnt it.

Kev Mac failed the interview and with good reason, Did you watch last night?

second bold point, if your not bothered to come and support your club through the bad times why come on here and vent your spleen?

[Reality]

EDIT: Wrong topic.

[eastie]

what credentials and experience has paul faulkner got to be running our club?

[ralph]

Hmmmm, where to start.

At the end of last season I decided not to renew my season ticket as I really couldn't justify the time and money spent. The team under O'Neill (whom I NEVER liked as a manager) were becoming increasingly more awful week after week. The player signings were mind boggling in the extreme, and the idea that as a club we were paying WELL over the odds for average players was finally enough. Was I going to continue putting my money into O'Neills hobbyhorse, was I f*** ! Whats worse is that our board were letting him get away with it, unbelievable.

I then mentioned to my brother and long time season ticket going fan that O'Neill would walk before the new season, and although I was out by about a week, he surely did. A spiteful move on his behalf and completely in character with his spoilt brattish behaviour.

Up steps a decent bloke (KMac) to try and get a grip on things while our board flap about and attempt to rectify a pretty dismal start to a season. (I am amazed the board didn't see O'Neills departure coming, or maybe you did, which makes the flapping even worse) either way, the top brass utterly failed in securing a new manager quickly and then when one was appointed, HE COULDN'T TURN UP !! Is someone having a laugh ? It is also reported that the new manager will be the highest earning manager in Villas history. (Providing that is, he shows his face). In the meantime, our stand in manager, who failed the interview, has been asked to carry on and fill in as best as he can until Houllier finally turns up. If I was in KMacs shoes you can bet I would have told you to stick the Villa up your arse by now for that one !!

Ultimately it strikes me that O'Neil was appointed and you were told he was good, so give him all your cash. You did and found out the hard way. You are now found wanting when it comes to top level organisation because you didnt have to do it when you arrived. I thank you for the mosaic and the shiny training ground, but those are the easy bits to fix, the hard bit is managing the manager.

Something of a rant I admit, and hardly constructive at this time I will agree, but this club is an absolute shambles. You gave away far to much power and authority to the wee man and your reaping the rewards. Hopefully the crowds will still turn up and keep the club going, after many years, I wont be one of them. I will not spend another penny on this club until you can demonstrate that you can run a business efficiently, after all, it is a business now isnt it.

Kev Mac failed the interview and with good reason, Did you watch last night?

second bold point, if your not bothered to come and support your club through the bad times why come on here and vent your spleen?

There is going through a bad run, but knowing you'll eventually get out of it.

Then there is the obvious - the owners not knowing the difference between their asses and their elbows. But you don't dare criticise Faulkner. He's handled the managerial situation amicably.

Hmmmm, where to start.

At the end of last season I decided not to renew my season ticket as I really couldn't justify the time and money spent. The team under O'Neill (whom I NEVER liked as a manager) were becoming increasingly more awful week after week. The player signings were mind boggling in the extreme, and the idea that as a club we were paying WELL over the odds for average players was finally enough. Was I going to continue putting my money into O'Neills hobbyhorse, was I f*** ! Whats worse is that our board were letting him get away with it, unbelievable.

I then mentioned to my brother and long time season ticket going fan that O'Neill would walk before the new season, and although I was out by about a week, he surely did. A spiteful move on his behalf and completely in character with his spoilt brattish behaviour.

Up steps a decent bloke (KMac) to try and get a grip on things while our board flap about and attempt to rectify a pretty dismal start to a season. (I am amazed the board didn't see O'Neills departure coming, or maybe you did, which makes the flapping even worse) either way, the top brass utterly failed in securing a new manager quickly and then when one was appointed, HE COULDN'T TURN UP !! Is someone having a laugh ? It is also reported that the new manager will be the highest earning manager in Villas history. (Providing that is, he shows his face). In the meantime, our stand in manager, who failed the interview, has been asked to carry on and fill in as best as he can until Houllier finally turns up. If I was in KMacs shoes you can bet I would have told you to stick the Villa up your arse by now for that one !!

Ultimately it strikes me that O'Neil was appointed and you were told he was good, so give him all your cash. You did and found out the hard way. You are now found wanting when it comes to top level organisation because you didnt have to do it when you arrived. I thank you for the mosaic and the shiny training ground, but those are the easy bits to fix, the hard bit is managing the manager.

Something of a rant I admit, and hardly constructive at this time I will agree, but this club is an absolute shambles. You gave away far to much power and authority to the wee man and your reaping the rewards. Hopefully the crowds will still turn up and keep the club going, after many years, I wont be one of them. I will not spend another penny on this club until you can demonstrate that you can run a business efficiently, after all, it is a business now isnt it.

Kev Mac failed the interview and with good reason, Did you watch last night?

second bold point, if your not bothered to come and support your club through the bad times why come on here and vent your spleen?

KMac failed, yes I watched, where is his replacement ? You cant fail a man then ask him to step in.
It goes : Sorry mate, your not up to it, but until somebody better than you arrives, can you go and win us some games, even though your not good enough.
Hardly confidence building plus what is that telling the opposition ?

As far as the, why vent your spleen comment:
I have followed the Villa for 35 odd years, a few good and bad years there. But enough is enough.
The game is being priced very highly these days, we are expected to shell out plenty to follow our teams and if I decide to boycott the games and withdraw my meager funding, until such time as I have faith that the 'business' I am helping to support, offers a competent level of service, so be it. I also feel perfectly within my rights to point that fact out as well.
I simply do not agree with the adage that you can only complain if you pay to. We have been paying for years and we are fully entitled to vent our spleens when the situation requires it.
The General has reliably informed us that he takes all comments, good and bad, on board. I believe him and while this is in no way a personal attack on him or his colleagues, he needs to know that there are Villa fans out there who are not renewing tickets because the management of their club 'THE FANS' are hugely unimpressed with the way the club is run and they are culpable.
The point is, sort it out and I will give you my money again. Carry on with this farce and its not just my cash you will lose.

[VillaVillaVilla]

General,

What, in your opinion, is the reasonable amount of time that a club of Villa's status can expect its fan-base to be patient, supportive and accepting of club apologies for a delay in a managerial start date and kit availability before turning into disgruntled, frustrated and openly hostile towards the management of Aston Villa?

[Fuse]

General,

Last night Stoke City had a far stronger bench than we did and subsequently they used some fo their subs to win the game. We are not talking here of SPurs/Man City/Liverpool/Everton who we are apparently competing with, but Stoke City!

How the heck are we supposed to compete at the top level if we are not even able to compete with other clubs in the Midlands! For all the work Randy has put in over the last 4 years we are now in a positon where Stoke ahve a stronger squad than we do!

Can you be ultra honest with us please and confirm that Randy is going to back GErard Houllier with money to get us back in there and allow him to build the squad needed? No PR is needed just honest commitment from the baord that GH is going to be given the respurces needed.

I committed over £2k in June to the cause so I think I have right to ask the question.