Next weeks planned protest - not in my name

[1_Pablo_Angel]

I don't, one win in 14 games or whatever proves that whatever the fans do or don't do has a pretty negligible effect on the outcome of games.  That arse McLeish couldn't even be bothered to get out of his seat yesterday.  It's quite possible to support the team AND give the manager a rollicking.

No it isn't possible to do both. I suggest anyone who wants to turn up and boo stay away from the match it's detrimental to the team (unless of course you want the team to lose). I thought Eck sitting on the bench yesterday was very magnanimous of him. He didn't want to draw any negative reaction. Having a go at him for doing this just goes to show he can't win either way in some supporters eyes. He may be out of his depth here but I have never doubted that he is a genuine bloke.

Spot on.

[Can Gana Be Bettered!?!?]

The support at home this season has been poor, in main because we've been poor.

The only thing Villa fans agree on is AM should leave. If that brings the fans together and produces a giant chorus from the Holte (and beyond) about sacking AM then so be it. The players must be aware we blame it, mostly, on AM that we're in this situation. If chanting for AM to leave creates an atmosphere then let's do it. Let the players know we really care, because it's clear they don't care what AM thinks. Who knows, singing a chorus or five of "sack McLeish m'lord" may lead on to a chorus of "Gabby, Gabby, Gabby...", which then may lead to a chorus of "the bells are ringing...", which may lead to us inspiring the team on to victory.

Just a thought.

[claret and blue blood]

This is why this decision should be taken out of the fans' hands by Lerner.
it is abundantly clear McLeish has no future here, I would guess that the spirit shown yesterday came from the players themselves and I am sure that the McLeish issue can only detract from any attempt to WIN one of the next 2 games(which I'm sure we will need to do )Kevin Mac and Sid are as much mentors of the academy players as anyone ,but to ensure a united and rocking Villa Park McLeish needs to be no closer than Glasgow at the very least.

[damon loves JT]

The Villa crowd isn't stupid. It wasn't until the Bolton game was effectively over that McLeish heard his name ring out.

[nigel]

That arse McLeish couldn't even be bothered to get out of his seat yesterday.

I listened to the football phone in with Tom Ross yesterday and that was bought up.
He, and the pundits with him, reckon it was possible he didn't get out of his seat so the supporters focused on the team and the game rather than focus abuse at him.
Interesting point!
He also made the point, which I've mentioned many times, that there comes a point where you can't blame the manager.
Last season we struggled, even with the likes of Young and Downing, we managed to flatter ourselves with a bit of a run at the end. This, in my opinion, only papered over the cracks.
AMcL came in, after 2 or 3 had told us 'No way', lost our 2 best players, and with it Bents supply line, had to sell experienced players, such as ReoCoker, another player we've missed and not replaced for like.
He was dealt a s**t hand and told to 'Bluff it' for the season.
It hasn't worked.
Yes, some of it IS down to him, but also the players and, more so, the owners have to look at themselves too.
We could have had anyone in charge and they would have struggled this season.

[claret and blue blood]

The Villa crowd isn't stupid. It wasn't until the Bolton game was effectively over that McLeish heard his name ring out.

This is true the fans have either been too passive or very tolerant and given the performances this season McLeish has had a much easier ride than Houllier did,but why take the chance of distracting the fans by keeping him there ?

[KevinGage]

In my experience, pleas to protest or to stop a large body of fans reacting as they see fit is like pissing in the wind.

With a few exceptions, it's nigh on impossible to manipulate the spontaneous reactions of the support on the day.   Things like the Muamba and Stan tributes are a bit different, as they appeal to peoples better instincts.  And nobody wants to be seen to be the odd one out. 

[ez]

Save it for the lap of appreciation after the game. If there is one. McLeish might be up the road by then anyway.

[Billy Walker]

I don't, one win in 14 games or whatever proves that whatever the fans do or don't do has a pretty negligible effect on the outcome of games.  That arse McLeish couldn't even be bothered to get out of his seat yesterday.  It's quite possible to support the team AND give the manager a rollicking.

No it isn't possible to do both. I suggest anyone who wants to turn up and boo stay away from the match it's detrimental to the team (unless of course you want the team to lose). I thought Eck sitting on the bench yesterday was very magnanimous of him. He didn't want to draw any negative reaction. Having a go at him for doing this just goes to show he can't win either way in some supporters eyes. He may be out of his depth here but I have never doubted that he is a genuine bloke.

I agree.  I think he made the right call to remain seated and to keep a low profile and I'm pretty sure he will do the same v Spurs (maybe a seat in the stands whilst KMcD/Sid take the bench). 

I noticed, before the match, that he wasn't too pleased with the TV crews filming him and he tried to palm one away, which suggests he is feeling the pressure.  Keeping a low profile is what he needs to do now.  He's a decent guy, no doubt about it, but just not the right fit for us.

[arnie66]

I agree.  I think he made the right call to remain seated and to keep a low profile and I'm pretty sure he will do the same v Spurs (maybe a seat in the stands whilst KMcD/Sid take the bench). 

He would have to be a very brave guy to sit in the stand..!!

[Risso]

Whatever the situation, the coward is still being paid (a fortune) to manage the team, and sitting on his arse for the 90 minutes because he was too scared to get into the technical area isn't doing his job.

[brian green]

I totally disagree that anyone could have been in charge this season and we would have performed as badly.   KMac and Sid who are father figures to the young players who have fought tooth and nail to give us a chance to stay in the Premiership were subjected to our board's look-at-us-we-are-headless-chickens party piece after Carew picked up the ball at St James Park and blasted a penalty into the stands and we got tanked six nil playing three up front away from home.

I believe McLeish is gone but I shall always remember him as the most schizophrenic manager I have ever seen.   At one in the same time he is a very decent worthy man, confident in his manner, sure in his conduct, composed when dealing with the media who completely goes to pieces when attempting to use the same qualities of judgement and calm composure when dealing with even the most basic demands of team management.  His period in charge of Villa has been tragic. (Paul Faulkner please note, completely avoidable). 

[john e]

there is no point,
 he's on his way out anyway.

Mcleish is no more
he has ceased to be
he has expired
if you hadnt nailed him in the dug out he would be shopping at sainsbury's
this is an Ex Manager

[Witton Warrior]

The Villa crowd isn't stupid. It wasn't until the Bolton game was effectively over that McLeish heard his name ring out.

I could have done without the use of the word "genuine" from the OP.

Basically I agree with the sentiment and think this would happen anyway.

On Tuesday it was 4 minutes form full-time when the dam broke (and I joined in after a season of frustration) - it went on for about 4/5 minutes and then a rousing "Villa, Villa, Villa" rang out - we aren't stupid you know...

[danlanza]

I have a feeling he wont be in charge anyway. Just a feeling.

I have the same feeling.Something tells me he may be gone before the next game.