Bruce Sacked at last (now official)

[Russ aka Big Nose]

As has been said, we've made no progress under Bruce - the squad is unbalanced, there is no playing philosophy, no attacking intent, players are being played out of position, and seemingly they are not motivated to play for him.

Calderwood, Agnew, and Clemence should also bear some responsibility - they are stealing a living.

What is strange is - rightly - when he arrived Bruce said managing Villa was his last chance to lead a big club. So why has he seemingly done so little to seize the opportunity?

It is reported that he isn't involved much in coaching, he's clearing not studying future opponents to work out how to beat them, and he is not scouting. Is he lazy?

He played under Alex Ferguson and he worked hard and recognised he needed to develop, or get progressive people around him, so for Bruce not to appreciate that suggests he is a chancer.

Whatever the reason, it's time to go. UTV.

[Mister E]

It is reported that he isn't involved much in coaching, he's clearing not studying future opponents to work out how to beat them, and he is not scouting. Is he lazy?

I'm not sure that anyone does coaching ...

[Russ aka Big Nose]

Fair point.

[BlackCountryVilla]

I don't normally post on these threads (or many others to be fair) but this simply isn't good enough.
I've lost count of the times I have heard or read "there is no-one better to get you up, he has done it before etc..." but I just don't buy that.

He came close last season but then in a winner takes all game we didn't try to win! I would rather have lost 3-0 and had a go than endure that performance.

With all the financial issues in the summer the manager's job got swept under the carpet. The fact is that he has failed to get promotion and he looks like failing again.

I say he has to go, and he has to go now. We are Aston Villa and we deserve better!!

[murgsy]

Has Dean Smith been called yet? Utter dross.

[clash city rocker]

Has Dean Smith been called yet? Utter dross.

With the unbalanced squad we have and no chance of rectifying it in the near future I don't think AVFC would be a wise choice for him at the moment.

[old man villa fan]

Nearly two seasons wasted since he came in. We are no further forward and the squad looks no stronger. He has to go and give somebody else the time to rescue this season.

[Smirker]

Absolutely appalling result today. Didn't bother posting.

Horrific run of form.

[mr underhill]

I simply can't face watching again until he's gone. I'm out. Here's hoping sanity prevails and he 's sacked.

[Ad@m]

Has Dean Smith been called yet? Utter dross.

With the unbalanced squad we have and no chance of rectifying it in the near future I don't think AVFC would be a wise choice for him at the moment.

You're kidding aren't you? We've got the best squad in the league. Any manager worth his salt would smash this league with our squad.

[old man villa fan]

Has Dean Smith been called yet? Utter dross.

With the unbalanced squad we have and no chance of rectifying it in the near future I don't think AVFC would be a wise choice for him at the moment.

You're kidding aren't you? We've got the best squad in the league. Any manager worth his salt would smash this league with our squad.

I wouldn't exactly say that but with the right manager that could organise the defence properly, work on playing the ball out from defence and add balance to the team, we could be.

[clash city rocker]

Has Dean Smith been called yet? Utter dross.

With the unbalanced squad we have and no chance of rectifying it in the near future I don't think AVFC would be a wise choice for him at the moment.

You're kidding aren't you? We've got the best squad in the league. Any manager worth his salt would smash this league with our squad.

One centre half and one maybe centre half. One left back who isn't up to scratch. A couple of injuries and suspensions there and the square pegs in round holes become hexagonal pegs in round holes.

[Brassneck]

Has Dean Smith been called yet? Utter dross.

With the unbalanced squad we have and no chance of rectifying it in the near future I don't think AVFC would be a wise choice for him at the moment.

You're kidding aren't you? We've got the best squad in the league. Any manager worth his salt would smash this league with our squad.

One centre half and one maybe centre half. One left back who isn't up to scratch. A couple of injuries and suspensions there and the square pegs in round holes become hexagonal pegs in round holes.

Welcome to the Championship.  Most teams are in the same boat.

[aj2k77]

To be fair to most Championship clubs their Managers have been professional enough to make sure there are more than 1 recognised center back in their entire squad.

[Richard E]

I've come to the conclusion that last season's relative success was more down to the galvanising effect of the senior players like Terry and Snodgrass than to Bruce.