The future of Houllier and McAllister?

[Dante Lavelli]

How's about Carlos Queiroz?
Is considered a good coach, but not great manager.  So could work well with Houllier.

[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.

Seriously, why do you think that we haven't changed? Do you go to the games? If so, do you not believe the evidence of your own eyes? Do you think Martin Laursen was lying when he was commenting about the obvious change? Or perhaps you think that he doesn't know much about defending?

My other problem with it is we weren't conceding many set piece goals under MON and the zonal marking system, so why change it?

I agree, but what amazes me is that some people seem to think we haven't.

God knows why.

I see you feel strongly about this, so I'm sorry if I've upset you. Obviously we don't defend set-pieces like we did last season, so my comment about MON style defending was sloppy. However, it is clear (from comments and our defensive displays) that the management hasn't been able to implement changes like they've wanted to (including defensive set-pieces) and I believe that may be due to the lack of a specialist defensive coach.

ah but Percy believes that's bullshit made up by GMAc and GH to shift blame on the godhead. Just like no doubt he still believes Cahil wanted to leave despite the player himself saying he's been trying to prove MON wrong since he was forced out. They're like those fanatical japanese soldiers who don't realise the war is over even though it finished 9months ago.

For goodness sake greg, when is it going to sink in that I couldn't give a shit about any present or ex-employees of Aston Villa who are/were paid handsomely by us and Randy to do a job? The most I ever thought of him was that he was doing a good one. You, on the other hand, thought he was doing a bad one, and that's fine, but you have seemingly allowed this to spill over into a lingering, bitter resentment.

Now, any chance you can tell me how our defending under this regime is the same as it was under the last one?

[Greg N'Ash]

Give it up perc. He's not coming back. evoh.

[Percy McCarthy]

I keep telling you mate, I couldn't give a shit. But seeing as you can't seem to grasp something that simple, it's probably a bit much expecting you to explain how this season's defence is the same as last season's? Still, please try.

[pauliewalnuts]

Watch out, Greg.

He's setting a zonal marking trap, and you've got one foot already in it.

[Greg N'Ash]

I don't really know what to say to you percy. I suggest you form one of those clubs like the bereft celtic fanatics did and toast his memory every 4th August

[Percy McCarthy]

I don't really know what to say to you percy.

Well, you could try answering the question instead of avoiding it because you haven't got a clue what you're talking about.

How is the defending the same under this regime as the last one?

[Greg N'Ash]

yep, its me, GH and GaryMac against your opinion. Perhaps you'd like to list your coaching qualifications?

Sorry but your arguement seems to revolve around "its not the same because it let in less goals last season" which is as daft as claiming MON had changed the defensive system each season because the goals against total was different

[Percy McCarthy]

yep, its me, GH and GaryMac against your opinion. Perhaps you'd like to list your coaching qualifications?

GH and Gmac know it's changed, they're just not being totally honest about it.

I think you'll find that zonal coverage and man-marking being different is a fact, not an opinion. Even though it's your opinion that they're the same.

[Greg N'Ash]

well thanks for that insight into the inner circles of the current manager's coaching idea's  As an ITK when did they tell you they were lying to everyone?

[Percy McCarthy]

Sorry but your arguement seems to revolve around "its not the same because it let in less goals last season" which is as daft as claiming MON had changed the defensive system each season because the goals against total was different

Not at all. My argument is that last season we used zonal coverage, this season we man-mark. Last year we had an out-and-out stopper at right-back, this year the full-backs have been encouraged to attack more. Last year was more 'no-nonsense, safety first', this year they have been encouraged to be more careful with possession. I'm not arguing better or worse - just different. You're saying it's the same, so what is your argument based on?

Any chance we can discuss football, rather than me discussing football, and you constantly being on the wind-up?

[Greg N'Ash]

marking isn't your defensive style. Maybe i've missed it but i haven't noticed Dunne or Collins spraying passes out all over the pitch or attempting to, but doing it crap. they've just been as they always have. But crapper

[pauliewalnuts]

marking isn't your defensive style. Maybe i've missed it but i haven't noticed Dunne or Collins spraying passes out all over the pitch or attempting to, but doing it crap. they've just been as they always have. But crapper

They were a lot better last season than this.

Collins seems to have developed (lately) a fucking infuriating habit of sticking his arm up and stopping practically when he reckons he's a chance of offside. I know all defenders do this, but he seems to do it all the time. Dunne has been better these last few games, but still scares me to death.

I think we need to move them on this summer, especially given the events off the pitch this year.

Unfortunately, our best centre half is also likely to be moved on, which is very annoying indeed.

[pauliewalnuts]

Incidentally, I find it hard to believe Collins has been asked to keep possession more often this season - if he has, he's certainly ignored the request, as he seems to blindly swing his leg at the ball even more often than he used to.

[The Situation]

If Houllier can't stay on as manager for next season because of his health, what do people think about Martinez? He did the buisness for Wigan when many thought they'd go down and is a young manager. I know a couple of Villa fans who wouldn't mind Martinez.