Good article in today's Independent

[TopDeck113]

"It's 21 years since a manager left Villa Park with his reputation enhanced...Sunderland cannot be regarded as commensurate with Villa - as the transfer of Darren Bent underlined."

It then goes on to give the reasons for McLeish's likely demise, albeit without giving any time scale.
 
Full article

[German James]

Very good. Respectful for a change, and pretty much on the money, I reckon.

[Chris Smith]

The problem with a club like Villa is that, because of the setting and the history, expectations often outstrip reality.

Ain't that the truth.

[CJ]

Decent article with one major flaw for me - "It is a desirable job for McLeish, with his connections to Sir Alex Ferguson; it could even be a platform to succeed his mentor". The thought that McLeish could manage United is a bit ludicrous

[LeeB]

The problem with a club like Villa is that, because of the setting and the history, expectations often outstrip reality.

Ain't that the truth.

Aint it just.

[barrysleftfoot]

  You could argue that Nooocastle is more of a comparisson than Everton.A Chairman who has thrown money at players to try and get into that elusive top 4, had his fingers burned and drawn the financial drawbridge in.

  For what its worth i think McL will fail unless he "has a go", and plays the more offensive players.I would love to see a midfield in 2/3 years time of Herd, Bannan and Gardener, with a defence made up of Eric, Baker and Clark.I'm not sure i want any more big time charlies like Downing down VP, i would rather buy up and coming players, develop our youth, and try to create a bit of loyalty within the players.Will it be good enough enough to get into the top 4, why not?

[olaftab]

Decent article with one major flaw for me - "It is a desirable job for McLeish, with his connections to Sir Alex Ferguson; it could even be a platform to succeed his mentor". The thought that McLeish could manage United is a bit ludicrous

No more ludicrous than him managing Aston Villa!

[Vanilla]

Some of the info is wrong, but apart from that its on the button.

[Mister E]

Bang on the nose - although the Martinez myth still appears.

[Gaztonniller]

Be interesting to see if MON is faced with the prospect of selling another top player at Sunders, or dosent get the funds he wants if he'll again walk out.

[brian green]

Amen to the observation that our history pitches expectations higher than lesser clubs.

[Dave]

Be interesting to see if MON is faced with the prospect of selling another top player at Sunders

Considering their squad I'm not sure that's going to be too much of an issue.

[richard moore]

The problem with a club like Villa is that, because of the setting and the history, expectations often outstrip reality.

Ain't that the truth.

Aint it just.

We love it though don't we! Heroes and Villains would probably go out of businesss if we thought any different...

[maidstonevillain]

Very good, seems almost spot on. Only flaw seems to be the argument that MON failed due to small squad. Not tactical naivety and a failure to properly use the resources at his disposal (in my opinion  ).

[Rigadon]

Nice to read something resembling the truth and not packed full of 'agenda' for once.