Ah nothing like a H&V over reaction. Give the bloke some time and lets judge him next season. Strictly he is right, the players were all either full (most of them) or U21 international footballers, so rotation is something we have to get used to, and GH openly knew they are a better team with a much stronger squad. Think the over reaction is madness. Just agame of football, 50 odd years and we have not won it, calm down.
Can't agree with this - whilst it's possible that our neighbours' Wembley triumph was hard to swallow
and last night we were all hoping for at least a draw, I don't believe supporters should be criticised
for having a go at both manager and senior players for the inept performance at Eastlands.
I'm one of the more senior fans who have hoped every year for the past 54 that we would again
lift that famous trophy, but have had my hopes dashed the same number of times at various stages
of the competition.
Whilst I don't enjoy defeat, I can accept it if the other team is better on the day or bemoan our
luck if we hit the woodwork, or castigate the officials for poor decisions- but what I can't and
won't accept is the manner in which we approach a game in the FA Cup, or any competition
for that matter.
Both at the game last night and I believe on this thread many have compared last night
with the 'surrender' at Moscow. Arguably that team selection was the beginning of the end
for O'Neill. In Houllier's case, and in his short tenure at Villa Park, he has managed to upset
the fans on at least a couple of occasions.
It can be argued that Houllier disrespected the FA Cup and the considerable number who
made the trip to Eastlands with his selection and formation. Youngsters, in particular those
playing out of position could be excused but some seniors under performed and deserve
the abuse being vented in forums such as this.
Like many others I will be there at the Reebok on saturday and supporting the claret
and blue but it's nights like last night that can't be forgotten or forgiven and in my book
the main criticism is aimed at Gerard Houllier