Steve Bruce - officially confirmed (as Sheffield Wednesday boss)

[Brian Taylor]

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-37877150
Sliding tackle detective stuff

[claret+blue ed]

We've not had a lot to shout about for the last few years, let not be too critical of the style of play and just enjoy winning again, it's certainly something I can get used to, however it comes

[Toronto Villa]

We've not had a lot to shout about for the last few years, let not be too critical of the style of play and just enjoy winning again, it's certainly something I can get used to, however it comes

I agree. It's a little like under MON where finishing 6th became passé and it had to be done a certain way. Those days are a million years ago now but what i would do now just to sample the upper echelons of PL football and competing in Europe.

[Matt Collins]

Ayew could play central, Kodjia left and Adomah right.
Ayew and Kodjia could then rotate position and just play fluid

They could, but I'm not convinced ayew can really lead the line. He has played that role but it doesn't look what he's suited to in my view

[JJ-AV]

My money is on Gabby ending up as our central striker. Kodj and Adomah off him.

[tomd2103]

My money is on Gabby ending up as our central striker. Kodj and Adomah off him.

Might well be, but I think Bruce might play it smart and use Agbonlahor sparingly to keep him hungry (pardon the pun).  I wouldn't be surprised if we went after another striker in January to play that role.

I have a feeling Bruce might adapt his tactics for home and away games.  At home, especially against the perceived weaker sides, I think we might see the 4-2-3-1 formation that we saw yesterday, whereas away from home, I think we might see more of a 4-3-3, with Jedinak in front of the back four. 

There are still question marks, but Gollini, Baker and Amavi seem to be growing in confidence each game.
Also, Adomah on one side, Kodjia on the other and Grealish or Ayew in behind a striker looks a good attacking unit as well. 

[kippaxvilla2]

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/aston-villas-steve-bruce-hairdryer-9210611

This is what we want!

[PeterWithesShin]

Splendid.

“I can understand what the previous management did here – they bought good players who had done well in the Championship,” he said.

“But playing for Fulham, Bristol City, Hull is not playing for a big club like Villa.”

[ChicagoLion]

At last a manager that has got them playing near or above thier ability.
Still not convinced the squad is balanced but at least we have a manager who knows what he is doing.

[eamonn]

So much for the theory that he wanted us to start slow and wear-out the opposition before catching them unawares after half-time.

[ciggiesnbeer]

“I can understand what the previous management did here – they bought good players who had done well in the Championship,” he said.

“But playing for Fulham, Bristol City, Hull is not playing for a big club like Villa.”

Dat Hull burn.

[Diablo]

“I can understand what the previous management did here – they bought good players who had done well in the Championship,” he said.

“But playing for Fulham, Bristol City, Hull is not playing for a big club like Villa.”

Dat Hull burn.

Ouch! That has gotta hurt. "Mauled by Steve Bruce, you're getting mauled by Steve Bruce"

[KevinGage]

Hull should be docked points and relegated just for that video.

[TheMalandro]

The tiger on their badge looks more like a domestic cat.

[tomd2103]

The comments about kodjia playing off the left are interesting. I just don't think we've got the players to suit everyone's needs at the moment so there'll have to be compromises

Our midfield looks much better in a 3
That means McCormack can't play in his proper role behind the striker
Grealish could play left of an attacking 3 or behind the strikers
Ayew could do the same or play right
Adomah is a proper winger
Kodjia is probably best on the left of a three
Gestede is the only out and out striker but he's probably too immobile

I think that probably means 433 and you just pick the men in form with McCormack on the bench to come on and change the game if needed

But it would be interesting to see whether ayew and Kodjia could play as split strikers with grealish or McCormack behind

Agree with a lot of that Matt.  I still think he might change the formation home and away and depending in the opposition.  I agree about the midfield, but I think we might see Jedinak sitting with two in front of him away from home and two deeper midfielders with one in front of them at home.