The future of Houllier and McAllister?

[Greg N'Ash]

I've not seen anyone put down one piece of evidence or even a theory as to why it's mcallister's fault, other than that he's not a defensive specialist - but that wouldn't stop us getting a defensive coach in - or that he had a weak record as a manager - but he isn't our manager.

GH has stated that they're still playing MON's way defensively because they're not sure they can do anything else and they will change it in the summer presumably when they get some players who have a bit more technical ability

[Eigentor]

Lets not forget we should be pushing on for champions league this season.

With the manager leaving five days before the season started, Milner sold, and no investments and barely any pre-season training during the summer, I'm not sure if there were many Villa fans realistically expecting us to push on for CL this season.

[Eigentor]

I've not seen anyone put down one piece of evidence or even a theory as to why it's mcallister's fault, other than that he's not a defensive specialist - but that wouldn't stop us getting a defensive coach in - or that he had a weak record as a manager - but he isn't our manager.

GH has stated that they're still playing MON's way defensively because they're not sure they can do anything else and they will change it in the summer presumably when they get some players who have a bit more technical ability

I think this quote is restricted to set pieces. Mon prefered zonal marking, whereas GH prefers man-to-man marking. I'm not sure if one demands more technical ability than the other. Even so, I think one of GH's biggest mistake this season was not getting a defensive coach in -- that's the area where the trouble and the troublemakers have been.

[Clampy]

I've not seen anyone put down one piece of evidence or even a theory as to why it's mcallister's fault, other than that he's not a defensive specialist - but that wouldn't stop us getting a defensive coach in - or that he had a weak record as a manager - but he isn't our manager.

GH has stated that they're still playing MON's way defensively because they're not sure they can do anything else and they will change it in the summer presumably when they get some players who have a bit more technical ability

Even so, I think one of GH's biggest mistake this season was not getting a defensive coach in -- that's the area where the trouble and the troublemakers have been.

If that really is the case, it makes you wonder why he did'nt give Carlos more games than he did. He's been the model professional really.

[Greg N'Ash]

I've not seen anyone put down one piece of evidence or even a theory as to why it's mcallister's fault, other than that he's not a defensive specialist - but that wouldn't stop us getting a defensive coach in - or that he had a weak record as a manager - but he isn't our manager.

GH has stated that they're still playing MON's way defensively because they're not sure they can do anything else and they will change it in the summer presumably when they get some players who have a bit more technical ability

I think this quote is restricted to set pieces. Mon prefered zonal marking, whereas GH prefers man-to-man marking. I'm not sure if one demands more technical ability than the other. Even so, I think one of GH's biggest mistake this season was not getting a defensive coach in -- that's the area where the trouble and the troublemakers have been.

well he's does mention conceding too many goals at set pieces but i took it to mean the defensive set-up at a whole as indeed the writer of the article did.

[Eigentor]

Still, I suspect that the reason that we haven't changed from MON style defending is that there's no coach to implement such changes, rather than the technical ability of our defenders.

[Risso]

Still, I suspect that the reason that we haven't changed from MON style defending is that there's no coach to implement such changes, rather than the technical ability of our defenders.

Surely a manager with Houllier's many years of experience doesn't need a specialist defensive coach to at least make sure the the defence do the basics right?

[Tom_Mc9?]

I see Gary McAllister has said Houllier will 'definitely' be at Villa at the start of next season. I'm pleased.

[TheSandman]

Really?

I think he might be in for a nasty surprise.

[Tom_Mc9?]

Sorry - didn't say where it was on. The BBC post-match interview.

[Eigentor]

As Gregnash has pointed out earlier on this thread, McAllister will act as if he and GH are going to stick around forever until they are sacked/resign.

From the noises coming out it seems pretty clear that GH wants to stay, the club wants him to stay (but reduce the workload) health permitting, and his wife wants him to quit. My guess is that the doctors will have the final say on this one.

[sfx412]

considering the start to the season, the lack of spend the lack of a viable manager for so long, the player aggro, Geds illness finishing 9 th is a disastrous season ??
I ask you some people need a little perspective.
I know Dol finished 6th in his first year but he did so in a fairly injury free year.
I think Ged remaining in charge is daft for him and the club, but I've known 11 th being classed as a brilliant first season by many

[Rick_avfc]

I think that GH staying might not be a bad thing.  Like many people have said, he came in late, no pre season and he has had to deal with a whole raft of injuries and had to play the youth for quite a few games.  I like his philosophy and he will bring the youth through and develop them.  Having looked at the table, we were only 10 point behind finishing 6th (joint on points anyway) with liverpool. had we beaten the likes of wolves, wigan and stoke at home, and maybe nicking a winner against the baggies at their place, we would have taken 6th.  the fact we have beaten arsenal and liverpool in the last 2 games shows we still have it and can challenege again next season with a few additions.

[Percy McCarthy]

I've not seen anyone put down one piece of evidence or even a theory as to why it's mcallister's fault, other than that he's not a defensive specialist - but that wouldn't stop us getting a defensive coach in - or that he had a weak record as a manager - but he isn't our manager.

GH has stated that they're still playing MON's way defensively because they're not sure they can do anything else and they will change it in the summer presumably when they get some players who have a bit more technical ability

But obviously that's bullshit.

[Percy McCarthy]

Still, I suspect that the reason that we haven't changed from MON style defending is that there's no coach to implement such changes, rather than the technical ability of our defenders.

http://www.sundaymercury.net/midlands-sport/aston-villa-fc/aston-villa-fc-news/2011/02/20/martin-laursen-backs-aston-villa-defenders-to-come-good-66331-28198917/