Jesús García Pitarch - binned

[paul_e]

Could have got Danny Ings for Ł2m less than we paid for Wesley. Imagine if we did have a decent striker Jack's assist total would have been double figures easily. Ball played in to Davis for his miss v Arsenal would have been one if the guy knew how to score. Two new strikers, preferably at least one with Prem experience is a must this window. Cut our loses with Samatta for sure, keep Wesley as a backup

No we couldn't, it was a loan in 2018 and converted to a permanent transfer last summer.

[Risso]

It'd impossible to prove either way, but I do think we'd have been better off with Maupay, who cost a similar amount to Wesley.  I think him linking up with the likes of Jack and McGinn would have seen him, and us, score more goals.  Pitarch did confirm that we were interested in him, but we obviously plumped for Wesley instead.

[Lastfootstamper]

Another several million going on compensation no doubt.

Several million? How much do you think a Sporting Director makes?

I don’t think he was shit. Some signings across his time at the club have worked out others haven’t. That also lies at the door of the manger and he developed them. And we all saw some absolutely dire use of tactics during the course of the season. So the responsibility for the success or failure of certain players shouldn’t be placed squarely at the door or Suso.

Which of Pitarch's inadequates that we'll look to let go will possibly emulate many of The Class Of 2016, if their lack of progression is down to the manager? Which ones were similarly hindered by our tactics? We'll keep those that have improved or that the coaching staff believe could still reach a sufficient level, and let all the others go if we can find suitors. I really don't envisage any of their departures ever coming back to bite us on the arse.

I don't see anything too suspect in this development. We're where I believe we wanted to be at this point in time, kicking off 2020/21 as a PL club. I dare say his position isn't the only one at the club that's up for review around now.

[Luke8]

It'd impossible to prove either way, but I do think we'd have been better off with Maupay, who cost a similar amount to Wesley.  I think him linking up with the likes of Jack and McGinn would have seen him, and us, score more goals.  Pitarch did confirm that we were interested in him, but we obviously plumped for Wesley instead.

Possibly, but their strike rates were similar overall. Think the fact Brighton only managed to sign him five days before the season started was probably a factor too. Would have been down to multiple factors but I don’t think we could have risked waiting that long.

[Jon Crofts]

Contract expired so he was only on a 12 month gig after all it appears.

[tomd2103]

It’s strange how we see things differently.
I thought one of the few attributes Trezeguet does have is pace.

He’s just not very good.

Don't think he is slow, but he hasn't got the electric pace that is now required in the top flight.  Scored some vital goals in the last few games for us, but shouldn't be in the starting XI come next season.

[David_Nab]

Suso responds via Guillem Balague

Main points

Suso asked what manager to replace Smith if required Suggested Houghton ,Javi Garcia and Bruno Large
Purslow wanted Terry or Gerrard

He wasn't there when signing Drinkwater it was Smith and Purslow

Owners asked Suso for better quality players next season he established contacts but Purslow felt left out and relationship deteriorated

Feels Himself and Smith taken criticism when Purslow is the issue

[Drummond]

Bloody hell.

[cdbearsfan]

If Purslow wants Terry or Gerrard in charge and thinks Drinkwater is still a footballer, get him gone, too.

[garyellis]

Suso responds via Guillem Balague

Main points

Suso asked what manager to replace Smith if required Suggested Houghton ,Javi Garcia and Bruno Large
Purslow wanted Terry or Gerrard

He wasn't there when signing Drinkwater it was Smith and Purslow

Owners asked Suso for better quality players next season he established contacts but Purslow felt left out and relationship deteriorated

Feels Himself and Smith taken criticism when Purslow is the issue

[/quoteA lot of that makes very little sense probably file under bollocks]

[Sexual Ealing]

Also suggesting that he was in London trying to get Nzonzi while Drinkwater was signed.

All fun and games...

[Scott Nielsen]

If that is mostly true then our most urgent challenge is the CEO position.

[VinnieChase84]

Will be he said she said and a certain amount of face saving going on.
Kalinic
Tom Carroll
Trezeguet
Nakamba
Samatta
Targett
Baston
Wesley

All 100% Suso signings
 

[ozzjim]

Isn't it amazing how these people are always signing some amazing player just before they leave.

And the list of managers from him and Purslow is as uninspiring as it gets. Whoever replaces Suso will be a Purslow man you would think.

As for the owners not being at a game for 7 months, well... not like the world has had anything else to deal with in that time is it.

[frank black]

Guillem Ballague

It may seem strange that Suso García Pitarch leaves Aston Villa after promoting the team two years earlier than planned, taking him to a cup final and guaranteeing his presence in the Premier (that is, sports success is undeniable), but it is not I pray all that glitters ..

CEO Christian Purslow did not always readily accept the owners' relationship with the sports director. In case Dean Smith had to be replaced, he was asked for advice (Suso suggested Javi Gracia, Chris Hughton, Bruno Lage, Purslow wanted Steven Gerrard or John Terry)

Without the presence of the owners (they haven't been to see the team for seven months), Purslow (who does not live in Birmingham) covers a lot of ground. Thus the signing of Drinkwater was his and Dean Smith's (Suso was in London signing Nzonzi)

The owners asked Suso for a quality jump in the squad and on the bench for the following season. Contacts were established with high-level coaches eager to get on the bandwagon. But the CEO felt sidelined and the relationship with Suso deteriorated.

Smith and Suso have received media criticism for passing on interesting information that protects Purslow. Difficult to work in these conditions. Suso has preferred not to continue despite having one more year of contract, and he told the owners a while ago.