It's not Sherwood!

[Tokyo Sexwhale]

The end of the season was a reality-check.  Had we finished the season well, and with a Cup win, I'd guess there'd be high expectations for next season.

I'd settle for boring, comfortable mid-table - 50 points.  Any better than that and we have a decent manager.

[ciggiesnbeer]

Its true, Villa fans have been astoundingly supportive of recent managers even with terrible records that stretch for months and months let alone one game. I pray Sherwood doesn't quit. When you look at the caliber of replacements we might get it doesn't bode well.

Why would he quit? What's he going to do instead of managing the biggest club that he's ever likely to be in charge of?

I think he might walk if Lerner pulls a transfer funds switcheroo on him. Hopefully that will not happen. Obviously just speculation on my part.

[themossman]

I am extremely grateful hat he kept us up under extreme circumstances.

This does not mean he is immune from criticism, the FA Cup Final was a disaster.

I am just hoping that the decisions he took leading and during it are not indicative of a wider managerial incompetency.

I do agree he does deserve a chance to see what he can do as our manager.

What can you usefully learn about his managerial qualities from one cup game against a team who were playing as well as the best in europe?

[Dave]

Its true, Villa fans have been astoundingly supportive of recent managers even with terrible records that stretch for months and months let alone one game. I pray Sherwood doesn't quit. When you look at the caliber of replacements we might get it doesn't bode well.

Why would he quit? What's he going to do instead of managing the biggest club that he's ever likely to be in charge of?

I think he might walk if Lerner pulls a transfer funds switcheroo on him. Hopefully that will not happen. Obviously just speculation on my part.

A 'switcheroo'?

So either:

a) Sherwood took the job thinking that there would be umpteen millions to spend and it was never even brought up in the interview process. 

b) Lerner and Fox lied, telling Sherwood that there was loads of money in order to convince a bloke who would probably have crawled on his hands and knees from Hertfordshire to take the job.

c) He is told that there is no money from the start and then walks out, O'Neill-style on the biggest stage he is ever likely to get for having to stick to what he originally agreed to.

I don't really see any of them as being particularly likely.

[ciggiesnbeer]

I was thinking a milder version of "b". No I don't think its likely either but I could use some good transfer news coming out of the club and manager at some point soon to settle my nerves.

[Dave]

I think it falls down on that there would be no reason to lie about transfer budgets.

I'm pretty sure that if Tom Fox had said to Sherwood "look, there won't be a single penny to spend but we're willing to offer you a four year contract on a couple of million pounds per year in charge of one of the five or six biggest clubs in the country off the back of your one competent half season of first-team management" then Sherwood would have bitten his hand off.

I don't think he would have had to invent a phantom transfer budget to sweeten the deal.

[ciggiesnbeer]

Good point. However I support Aston Villa, therefore I retain the right to be a right miserable bastard worrying about the worst case until proven otherwise

[Dave]

Yup, can't argue with that.

[PeterWithesShin]

That we haven't signed anyone yet is very worrying.

[Dave]

Sherwood and Fox out.

[Brend'Watkins]

That we haven't signed anyone yet is very worrying.

Doesn't Sinclair count?

[warleyboy]

I would like to think that TS had done some homework before taking on the job.
He would be fully aware of our financial constraints.

But no matter what negatives he would have seen, he was out of work and looking for a job.
You can put any spin on it, but that's the truth.

I pray his scouts are exceptional and can pick a player or 11, and that TS has the knowledge to tactically make us a stronger team.

I honestly hated the fact when he was given the job, cocky shite is what I thought.
Well, he is still a cocky shite, but, I love how he wears his heart on his sleeve and runs up n down the pitch side, his facial expressions tell a story.
I believe he can do a job, he needs time and some spenders, but he will get it right.

[Nicko89]

I am extremely grateful hat he kept us up under extreme circumstances.

This does not mean he is immune from criticism, the FA Cup Final was a disaster.

I am just hoping that the decisions he took leading and during it are not indicative of a wider managerial incompetency.

I do agree he does deserve a chance to see what he can do as our manager.

this is spot on my friend

[Salsa Party Animal]

When is he due back from his holiday ? It will be interesting summer and any ideas what kind of football team and players he will want to buy. Just hope we stop shopping in Aldi and Lidl of transfer markets.

[john e]

When is he due back from his holiday ? It will be interesting summer and any ideas what kind of football team and players he will want to buy. Just hope we stop shopping in Aldi and Lidl of transfer markets.

Some quality stuff at Aldi/Lidl mate