Alex McLeish confirmed as manager

[Somniloquism]

The worrying thing for me is that McLeish was unable to arrest the post-League Cup slide and didn't even attempt to change their style at a time when wins were clearly needed and his Plan A wasn't working. 

No different  than MON then.

Which is a further shock on why we employed McCleish?

[The Man With A Stick]

To write him off before he's started seem's a bit ridiculous to me.

Are you new to this following-the-Villa lark?  It's a B6 tradition!

[Brian Taylor]

Who knows what the board will compensate SHA for? Whatever Randy negotiates I suppose, if anything? They did not consult the fans on who was wanted, and we have got who was appointed. We did not get our wish-list and we are stuck with who the board chose. Plus ca change..plus ca change..another thirty years of mediocrity and muggins fans money through the turnstiles! My kids are grown up enough to make their own decisions now! I know what I know based on past management indifference to fan-based opinion. Good luck for next era of remorse and regret...

[cheltenhamlion]

Sorry Brian, but since when have the fans ever had a say in who gets appointed manager?

[willywombat]

Sorry Brian, but since when have the fans ever had a say in who gets appointed manager?

I remember that lots of people were gutted when we appointed Ron Saunders rather than Brian Clough, particularly when Saunders had a reputation for playing dull, defensive football and Cloughie had issued a 'Come and get me' plea via the media. Funny how things turn out

[puppyfeat]

Sorry Brian, but since when have the fans ever had a say in who gets appointed manager?

I remember that lots of people were gutted when we appointed Ron Saunders rather than Brian Clough, particularly when Saunders had a reputation for playing dull, defensive football and Cloughie had issued a 'Come and get me' plea via the media. Funny how things turn out

True that - though let's not forget what Clough then went on to achieve at Forest. But to his eternal credit Villa were both generally entertaining and successful under Saunders. McLeish won't be able to emulate his success but if he makes the team watchable - which he'll have to to get the fans on his side and bums on seats - and win us something, anything (lord knows we'd be happy with a league cup after all this time) then for most fans the animosity will be forgotten.

[VillaAlways]

 New Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has held a "positive" meeting with a number of the club's supporters.

McLeish has come under fire from a section of Villa fans unhappy at him being appointed as Gerard Houllier's successor due to his time as manager of bitter city rivals Birmingham City.

But he is determined to tackle the issue and this lunchtime half a dozen prominent Villa followers spoke with him at the club's Bodymoor Heath training ground.

McLeish outlined his plans for the club and listened to any issues the group wanted raise in a meeting lasting more than an hour.

Jonathan Fear, editor of the Vital Villa fans' website, said: "It was a good positive, open meeting and I don't think anyone left with long faces.

"Some people might look at this as a cynical PR exercise but Alex McLeish wanted to meet some of the fans and put his points across and listen to what people had to say.

"He asked for the meeting and he is going to ask for more fans' forums.

"We all asked everything we felt was relevant and he answered it and wanted to be open and honest.

"He could have hidden away and it would have been easier not to front up to things."

Fear believes it is time for everyone to pull in the right direction at Villa.

He said: "The whole club needs it. Everyone has had their opinions and now everyone should support the club.

"Let everyone give the manager the chance to


Read More http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/aston-villa-fc/aston-villa-news/2011/06/22/aston-villa-fans-hold-positive-meeting-with-alex-mcleish-97319-28925137/#ixzz1Q1NczH2m

[Lambert and Payne]

Is it me or is it hard to escape jonathon fear, he seems to be absolutely everywhere!

[Ger Regan]

It has to be said that this is a positive initiative from the club / McLeish. Again, he wasn't anywhere near the top of my list of managers to go for, but you have to admire him at least trying to tackle the issue with the fans.

[KevinGage]

Agreed.

It would have been easier for him to hide, or play down the issue.

[The Situation]

That's encouraging to hear.

[JUAN PABLO]

I liked the bit when he said If David Villa ever comes  avaliable , we will be definitely in for a quality player like him ...

[Dan England]

To write him off before he's started seem's a bit ridiculous to me.

Are you new to this following-the-Villa lark?  It's a B6 tradition!

No mate 25 years worth of up's and downs. I'll put the positivity down to hayfever!

[The Situation]

MYSTERYMAN wrote:
It was arranged late last night others were invited including my pal Head of Sutton Coldfield Lions who couldn't make it didn't know who was going to be there till I got there . The others could have made more of an effort I might add in terms of their dress code

Maradona10 wrote:
Dave Woodhall perhaps?

[Rip Van We Go Again]

Lessons on how to support the Villa from Mr.Fear - Marvellous.