AVFC statement - McLeish sacked.

[Concrete John]

Maybe he only saw him as a temporary appointment while he continued getting the wages down, as he couldn't get who he really wanted last summer? 

[VillaAlways]

Maybe he only saw him as a temporary appointment while he continued getting the wages down, as he couldn't get who he really wanted last summer? 

Why give him a 3 year contract then ? This is the part I find most gob smacking

[Concrete John]

I have no sympathy for him either, Paulie - just pointing out what I feel was his biggest flaw.

[VillaAlways]

The rumour that Randy put a clause in his contract that his pay-out would be less if under 40 points is a bit odd, surely if that was in there Randy had doubts that we'd get 40 points, this is all one huge fucking car crash. Needs fixing now.

I think Abraham has got that rumour from here

[pauliewalnuts]

Maybe he only saw him as a temporary appointment while he continued getting the wages down, as he couldn't get who he really wanted last summer? 

Why give him a 3 year contract then ? This is the part I find most gob smacking

He'd have to be nuts to give someone he only wants for a year a three year deal, it makes no sense.

[charlie]

I will believe it when its official. When he has departed with his cardboard box full of trophies [which he missed by 3 minutes], then  will I celebrate, cheer, take the dog up a nearby mountain, celebrate again and generally be happy, when its official...............................!

[The Man With A Stick]

I'm on a days holiday. Beer waiting to be cracked open when the news is confirmed.

Me too.  I'll celebrate with a nice glass of single malt when the bullet comes.

[ozzjim]

I will believe it when its official. When he has departed with his cardboard box full of trophies [which he missed by 3 minutes], then  will I celebrate, cheer, take the dog up a nearby mountain, celebrate again and generally be happy, when its official...............................!

Fingers crossed eh. Although the high wind might blow you off the mountain today, so please be careful when up there!!!

[AlwaysAVFC]

The rumour that Randy put a clause in his contract that his pay-out would be less if under 40 points is a bit odd, surely if that was in there Randy had doubts that we'd get 40 points, this is all one huge fucking car crash. Needs fixing now.

I've always wondered why Managers contacts don't have something like this especially If they get relegated. I guess even though its in the contract the manager's lawyer could argue that it was an unreasonable term. Stating 38 points might be consdered a stronger contract as points needed to be relegated varies. It also has the bonus of being in a stronger position to get rid of him having stayed up on 38 points.

I've got no idea about Law and just speculating, it could also be a load of rubbish anyway.

[Merv]

It was also interesting to see that very often, his approach to a defence which leaked goals wasn't to work with the back four, it was to throw more defenders on.

Absolutely, and increasingly, his 'tactic' has been to play defenders in midfield. I think we all agree Clark is a decent defensive midfielder, but to also use Warnock there regularly, as well as Herd - who is a combative defensive type of midfielder - smacks of a manager who just wants to pack his team with blockers and stoppers. While the likes of Gardner, Bannan and N'Zogbia - creative midfield players - are used sparingly or not at all.

Fundamentally, I just don't think McLeish understands football. It was the reason he played Heskey in midfield for half a season. Why? Because he's big and physical and might get in the way a bit? And I know it was an unsubstantiated rumour, but I can entirely believe McLeish would be interested in Karl Henry to add to the midfield - not a player to improve ball retention and possession, but a physically strong player to, err... block and... stuff.

But John's right. McLeish hasn't cultivated a strong defensive team, just a team which does barely anything of note past the halfway line, and concedes soft goals almost every week. There's no discernible style, shape, cohesion... it's all a bit of sad shambles.

[asgpaul]

For me its a no-brainer, McLeish has to go, but like many I wouldn't be surprised if he remained in charge. 

I didn't want him here but once the decision was made, I backed him as he was our manager, but McLeish himself has made it impossible to back him anymore and now that the season is over, the board surely has to act quickly to get the supporters back onside.

It was a dire season, and I'm being polite! 

[JB1811]

Has he gone yet?

[PaulTheVillan]

He's going...

[DBTW]

He's going...

Just saying his goodbyes to staff.........

[London Villan]

Playing 6 defenders would be acceptable if we won games 1-0...