The future of Houllier and McAllister?

[Toronto Villa]

My question would be had they asked Downing, Bannan, Clark, Albrighton, Friedel, Ash, Gabby would they have answered the question, or summed up the current circumstances the same way? I'm sure none of them would be pleased with what has transpired, but certain players that no longer want to be at the club, and I include Young as one of them simply by his actions this year, are going to view things differently. I don't expect any support for the process or understanding of the current situation from likes of him, Ireland, Carew, Dunne, Warnock as examples because in my opinion they quit on us and the club a good while back. Even if those are his views, and there's merit in honesty, sometimes, just sometimes, keeping you overpaid gob shut is better. But for those with an agenda, that's never going to be a consideration.

[Chris Smith]

I don't thing Young knows what the future holds because it has not been decided.

I would hope that they are working out contingencies but so much is up in the air because of Houlliers's illness that I doubt even Randy has a clear idea of what will happen.

[Toronto Villa]

that's the thing Chris. He could have answered the question in a number of different ways, but by calling it a "mess" is lot more interesting than saying there's uncertainty due to the manager's illness. I'm betting had they asked one of the other players I mentioned that would put a more favourable slant on the current state of affairs this would be a complete non-story. I'm not saying Luke Young is 100% wrong, but I imagine with his seat on the bus being in jeopardy he's a great sound bite right now.

[pauliewalnuts]

that's the thing Chris. He could have answered the question in a number of different ways, but by calling it a "mess" is lot more interesting than saying there's uncertainty due to the manager's illness. I'm betting had they asked one of the other players I mentioned that would put a more favourable slant on the current state of affairs this would be a complete non-story. I'm not saying Luke Young is 100% wrong, but I imagine with his seat on the bus being in jeopardy he's a great sound bite right now.

If his contract is up for renewal, isn't he more likely to keep shtum about it all?

His sentiments with his at least top 8 comment are pretty much right, though, and it is good to hear at least one player saying it's really not good enough, even if you take into account his own culpability in the situation. I doubt you'd be able to find another player in the squad who'd disagree with that.

[Chris Smith]

that's the thing Chris. He could have answered the question in a number of different ways, but by calling it a "mess" is lot more interesting than saying there's uncertainty due to the manager's illness. I'm betting had they asked one of the other players I mentioned that would put a more favourable slant on the current state of affairs this would be a complete non-story. I'm not saying Luke Young is 100% wrong, but I imagine with his seat on the bus being in jeopardy he's a great sound bite right now.

I think you're possibly reading too much into it, Toronto. He's got previous for just saying what he's thinking without filtering it through the usual bland  footballer PR speak.

[Merv]

It's a really honest comment and rare to hear a footballer talking so candidly; usually they're far more guarded and I agree many of the squad would have gone with the 'we've just got to do our jobs' line.

I would guess that those players really concerned about the club's future have a lot riding personally on whether Houllier stays or not: I'm sure there are a few who know they'll be going if Houllier remains in charge; I'd put Luke in that group, though he may have played his way back into contention in recent weeks.

[Risso]

The whole season has been a mess, and anybody can see that.  He's just being honest.

[pauliewalnuts]

that's the thing Chris. He could have answered the question in a number of different ways, but by calling it a "mess" is lot more interesting than saying there's uncertainty due to the manager's illness. I'm betting had they asked one of the other players I mentioned that would put a more favourable slant on the current state of affairs this would be a complete non-story. I'm not saying Luke Young is 100% wrong, but I imagine with his seat on the bus being in jeopardy he's a great sound bite right now.

I think you're possibly reading too much into it, Toronto. He's got previous for just saying what he's thinking without filtering it through the usual bland  footballer PR speak.

I see he's even got himself an entry on Who Is The Secret Footballer (http://www.whoisthesecretfootballer.co.uk/index.php/luke-young/) today.

Not much evidence in favour, though.

[fbriai]

I think you're possibly reading too much into it, Toronto. He's got previous for just saying what he's thinking without filtering it through the usual bland  footballer PR speak.

That's pretty much my interpretation of it, too.

I think Paulie's probably not far off either, mentioning that he's probably only saying what a lot of the players are thinking, particularly in relation to the 'top 8' comment.

[Toronto Villa]

that's the thing Chris. He could have answered the question in a number of different ways, but by calling it a "mess" is lot more interesting than saying there's uncertainty due to the manager's illness. I'm betting had they asked one of the other players I mentioned that would put a more favourable slant on the current state of affairs this would be a complete non-story. I'm not saying Luke Young is 100% wrong, but I imagine with his seat on the bus being in jeopardy he's a great sound bite right now.

I think you're possibly reading too much into it, Toronto. He's got previous for just saying what he's thinking without filtering it through the usual bland  footballer PR speak.

Maybe I am. My point is his comments are now the comments of Aston Villa players and won't neccesarily be viewed as those exclusive to Luke Young. It's far more juicy to get a comment from a malcontent than it is to get it from those who might have a different opinion on things, or might have started to see the positives of GH prior to his illness. Now just a few weeks after a 4 game unbeaten streak, the team playing better football, a big win at West Ham and things looking up, Luke Young of Aston Villa proclaims things are a mess.

[Can Gana Be Bettered!?!?]

I don't thing Young knows what the future holds because it has not been decided.

That made me laugh. It makes it sound like everyone else knows exactly what the future holds for them, because it HAS been decided. If so, can you please tell me where exactly Heskey will be as I'm hoping it's not at the Villa.

[Chris Smith]

I don't thing Young knows what the future holds because it has not been decided.

That made me laugh. It makes it sound like everyone else knows exactly what the future holds for them, because it HAS been decided. If so, can you please tell me where exactly Heskey will be as I'm hoping it's not at the Villa.

After his successful audition at the weekend he will be appearing in Wrestlemania 30.

[Rigadon]

It's not a happy camp is it?

I saw Young bickering with Richard Dunne for about 30 minutes on Saturday. At the same time I saw James Collins bollocking Walker and Young for most the game.  By the end of the game Albrighton's confidence was so shot he was (mis) hitting first time crosses when he should be running with it and running with it when he needed to release it.  I also saw senior pros bollicking kids and not passing the ball to them when the pass was on.   Sometimes you can see that in a successful team and it's a positive thing.  But after the season we've had, senior pros arguing and bollocking kids is about as welcome as a pain in the arse. 

Luke Young is telling it like he sees it.  He should keep his mouth shut, at least til the end of the season.  But he is telling the truth.  The current Villa squad is split between those who are off and those who are going to be there next year and there is no uniting force (IE a manager who is in charge and will be there next season).  It IS a a total mess.

[Matt Collins]

A lot of people seem convinced that we're going to have a mass clear out this summer, including plenty of those in the first team. I think we might only lose one or two first teamers. I'm not sure we can afford to replace so many players. Only AY or Downing would fetch any real dough.

[KevinGage]

that's the thing Chris. He could have answered the question in a number of different ways, but by calling it a "mess" is lot more interesting than saying there's uncertainty due to the manager's illness. I'm betting had they asked one of the other players I mentioned that would put a more favourable slant on the current state of affairs this would be a complete non-story. I'm not saying Luke Young is 100% wrong, but I imagine with his seat on the bus being in jeopardy he's a great sound bite right now.

I think you're possibly reading too much into it, Toronto. He's got previous for just saying what he's thinking without filtering it through the usual bland  footballer PR speak.

Agreed Chris.

He was very clear about the folly of playing a weakened side in the UEFA cup (before we actually did it) and how he'd be one of a number of players not happy with that.

He seems to be one of the good guys, says what he thinks rather than talking in riddles.