The Strategic Direction of Aston Villa - Suggestions.

[Chris Smith]

And his confidence has probably not been helped by not being trusted even to come off the bench in most games and being written off by some of our supporters. If I was a winger and Hutton and Heskey were picked ahead of me there I'd want to throw myself over a flyover to be honest.

If he tried that on recent form he'd hit the barrier and bounce back. I like him but he's had opportunities and not taken them.

[Iago]

Plenty of the younger players have featured this season, are we suggesting that all of them should start every game?

The example of Marc Albrighton's fall from grace should be enough to show the wisdom of not over burdening them before they are ready.

What is the burden of playing Albrighton more consistently? And fall from grace, when did that occur?

He's been playing poorly for most of 2011, he appears drained of all confidence. Perhaps associated with too much expectation and being over hyped.

We are a club with limited expectations as we are constantly told by the media and other sources, I see no pressure on him to perform.

IMO there is no pressure playing Albrighton, especially if you use his abilities correctly. If there was ever a time for youth integration it is now.

[Chris Smith]

No pressure playing in front of thirty odd thousand people who love a good moan, are you sure?

He's had opportunities and not taken them so he can have no complaints.

[Iago]

No pressure playing in front of thirty odd thousand people who love a good moan, are you sure?

He's had opportunities and not taken them so he can have no complaints.

He can have plenty of complaints, especially when you see Hutton and Heskey on the wings. The Tottenham game was perfect for him or N'Zogbia, but no we chose to be ultra defensive and not have any possibility to counter attack.

Opportunities under AM have been limited for Marc, AM prefers experience over youth. Albrighton delivered a superb cross for our second against Everton, but is overlooked time after time under AM.

Why?

[pauliewalnuts]

Strikes me that if we're not allowed to sign any more players, and are going to be relying on our youth, it's a bit cavalier to be so dismissive of a player like Albrighton who has shown great promise previously.

I suspect confidence is his issue. Last time i saw him play for us, I recall Petrov really laying into him on the pitch. That kind of thing probably doesn't help.

[Ad@m]

Albrighton is also suffering from 2nd season syndrome.  The pressure has increased because he did well last year and defenders know more about him so he doesn't have the element of surprise.  He's just got to show he can get over this.

[Rigadon]

Albrighton is also suffering from 2nd season syndrome.  The pressure has increased because he did well last year and defenders know more about him so he doesn't have the element of surprise.  He's just got to show he can get over this.

Yeah, that's quite right.  Confidence and defenders being more aware.  He can still make the grade though.

[Chris Smith]

Strikes me that if we're not allowed to sign any more players, and are going to be relying on our youth, it's a bit cavalier to be so dismissive of a player like Albrighton who has shown great promise previously.

I suspect confidence is his issue. Last time i saw him play for us, I recall Petrov really laying into him on the pitch. That kind of thing probably doesn't help.

I'm not being dismissive just honest about his performances. It's not just that he's not as effective going forward but he has a habit of losing possession around our penalty area and giving away silly free kicks.

I think that's because he was overplayed and over hyped last season and I'm pleased that we're not making the same mistake with the others this time.

[pauliewalnuts]

You're right (esp about the rash challenge / free kick thing), but he's young enough to learn to improve there.

[brian green]

I think it is very simple.   He is trying too hard.   When I see Marc these days I am reminded of Peter Whittingham.   If we let Marc go all his confidence will come back because he will not feel on trial every game and he will excel.   Same goes for BB.

[Risso]

I'm not sure I'd ever have accused Peter Whittingham of trying too hard.  He made Stewart Downing look like Vinnie Jones.

[Vanilla]

Albrighton is also suffering from 2nd season syndrome.  The pressure has increased because he did well last year and defenders know more about him so he doesn't have the element of surprise.  He's just got to show he can get over this.

Yeah, that's quite right.  Confidence and defenders being more aware.  He can still make the grade though.

That was the same with Ashley Young, but you grow as a player by playing more games to so you can develop new approaches and skills. You can't do this by being dropped into obscurity. How many lean patches has Rooney had already in his career? However, Ferguson kept faith in him and he comes out the other side stronger.

[Rico]

If the current strategic direction of the club at present is to cut wages and introduce more home grown players then fine, but the problem I see at the moment is the club's public relations are bordering on disastrous. The appointment of Mcleish was imo the single most controversial decision since the board decided not to give Ron Saunders the contract he wanted. So if we are stuck with Mcleish, who let's face it unless he can deliver trophies on a regular basis is going to be in the top three most unpopular Villa managers of all time, then the club needs to get the fans back on side. I would start by employing more of the Villa Park legends on the coaching staff. I know we have Sid Cowans, but why not try to get some others on board. For example, get Spinky back as goal keeping coach. Give Dennis Mortimer, Tony Morley, Paul Mcgrath and Brian Little coaching positions and at least the club could say it was keeping in touch with our proud history. And when the inevitable happens, which as sure as night follows day it will, and Mcleish gets the sack then we have a ready made team of legends to take over! Sorted!

[Salsa Party Animal]

Stop buying crap players especially journeymen like Heskey, Beye, Hutton, Charles N'Z. 

Develop and encourage and educate them to play football

Develop an positive identity for Aston Villa and make it fun club to watch and play for.

Use the money more wisely. Only buy big and pay big for exceptional players.

Set a club structure to play a certain way all the way like Ajax, Barcelona, Manure.

Stop being negative and defeatist.

[Clampy]

And his confidence has probably not been helped by not being trusted even to come off the bench in most games and being written off by some of our supporters. If I was a winger and Hutton and Heskey were picked ahead of me there I'd want to throw myself over a flyover to be honest.

If he tried that on recent form he'd hit the barrier and bounce back. I like him but he's had opportunities and not taken them.

It's the end of November and i'm still waiting for N'Zogbia to set up a goal, never mind take his opportunity.