Dr T has pulled the trigger

[themossman]

I think it's important that we don't lump him in with all the recent managers, who may not have been great,but who were trying to keep us in the PL with both hands tied behind their backs.

RDM had an enormous advantage over every other manager in this league, bar maybe Benitez, so on an expectation adjusted basis he was a far bigger failure than the rest during his brief tenure.

[brian green]

Kipp, which would you say is your stand out memory.  RDM's defeat of Rotherham or Eric Black's goalless draw with Newcastle?  Times like this the memories all come flooding back. Sniff.

[Clark W Griswold]

What about your favourite nearly win what got fucked up in the last 5 mins?

[kippaxvilla2]

It's derfinitely that 0-0 achieved as it was by a man who has spent forty years in the game who we were lucky to have.

[Ger Regan]

I think it's important that we don't lump him in with all the recent managers, who may not have been great,but who were trying to keep us in the PL with both hands tied behind their backs.

RDM had an enormous advantage over every other manager in this league, bar maybe Benitez, so on an expectation adjusted basis he was a far bigger failure than the rest during his brief tenure.

I'd have to agree. I know Garde's record is awful, but he really was given absolutely no support, even Sherwood was given the guts of a new team to mess about with.

[LeeS]

Isn't it great how we have so many failed managers to choose from we can have a proper debate of who was most shit? I feel lucky to be a Villain today.

[Clark W Griswold]

Yep, 1 win, and I think I only recall 1 facial expression during his Villa tenure.

[CJ]

Disappointing in a way - I thought we'd developed a good coaching structure when he was appointed. We spent a lot of money in the right areas of the pitch (although the goalkeeper and midfield buys are starting to look like the money could have been spent better), and after the Forest game where we created so many chances I thought we'd turned a corner. But the reality is we're mentally fragile, and the formations, tactics and substitutions have become increasingly puzzling to the point of desperation. Quarter of the way into the season and we've only beaten the bottom team, and been dumped out of a cup by lower league opposition. He had to go, and the international break gives us a bit of breathing space to get (hopefully) the right man.

[Steve67]

Villa sacked him on Saturday night apparently!  It's good to see that we now have people in charge who will not accept ineptitude.  I'm really pleased that they see the importance that the fans play and can recognise for themselves how very poor the results were becoming.  No more playing the waiting game for things to turn, a la Lambert.

That said, in recent history, this is a most important appointment and we simply have to get this right.  I don't want anyone with clouds of doubt against their name, those who can't seem to hold a job down for more than 12 months, take bungs or who, we, the fans, have a shred of doubt about.  This list includes the likes of Allardyce, Warnock, Pearson, McClaren.  I am sure that Fat Sam would do well but it'll be a funfest with the media and this detracts from the job at hand, hopefully that would abate and things improve but I think Xia will be about honour and won't go in Fat Sam's direction.

I expect Bruce, Smith, Hughton and McCarthy will all get linked.  Clarke might also be in with a shout if they see an upturn in training. We have to get this right because this squad is not as bad as the results show.  Except for Westwood.  He's still a fairy.  Come on Dr Tony, do the right thing.

[john e]

seems its easier to win the champions league with Chelsea than to get the Villa back on track again

[Deano's Mullet]

I'm pleased but at the same time bit worried a precedent has been sent - does the next manager get 11 games to be judged on and so on and so on. Its good he's gone I honestly don't know whos going to take over.

[markeeeebeeee2005]

I thought RDM would get us playing, but that was pretty awful.

[Chris Jameson]

I'm really not confident about who they appoint next, Di Matteo was a hugely underwhelming appointment.

[rob_bridge]

He had a pre season, was backed in transfer market and was allowed to get rid of dead wood.

All he had to do was win a few games. Even 2 or 3 of the draws converted to wins.

No Great Loss.

[Chico Hamilton III]

I'm so disappointed that Di Matteo never got the chance to see his squad gel....... There's a good team in there......we're due to give someone a thrashing very soon.....

He was shit, Xia did what Lerner lacked the spine to do and made a quick decision. It's not too late to get a proper manager and to aim for the play offs at least