Finally Smith can play his own game and not have to Taylor for a unique talent. So that's with high tempo and pressing. Remember the last 10 minutes Vs Fulham that's a perfect example with the wide forwards of Bailey and Buendia getting goals and a threat for a whole 90 minutes. That's what I'm hopingCounter attack and with the ball going forward very strong
So how much latitude does Deano get if we don't progress next season? Personally I think some of the predictions over on the realistic expectations thread aren't that realistic. I would be delighted with maintaining last season's points total as it stands.
I'd have thought Smith will be relishing the season ahead. He's got some serious depth now in the forward positions, we can change games from the bench with what we have.
Always been a huge supporter of Smith, think despite some sticky patches, he’s largely done a great job. I do think despite losing Grealish, the new signings and big outlay add pressure to him. I also think our relatively easy start on paper at least adds pressure as well. Really we should be looking at minimum 7 to 9 points from the opening three games, but as a newly promoted club at home Watford will be chomping at the bit and Brentford always give us problems and there is the added scenario of Thomas Frank trying to put one over on his old gaffer. This all with a lot of new players trying to gel and find their feet, with little if any game time together. There are opportunities for banana skins and if we don’t get off to a good start before tougher (on paper) games to come, the post Grealish pressure builds immediately. Obviously hope none of this plays out and we hit the ground running.
Quote from: RamboandBruno on August 06, 2021, 07:55:37 AMAlways been a huge supporter of Smith, think despite some sticky patches, he’s largely done a great job. I do think despite losing Grealish, the new signings and big outlay add pressure to him. I also think our relatively easy start on paper at least adds pressure as well. Really we should be looking at minimum 7 to 9 points from the opening three games, but as a newly promoted club at home Watford will be chomping at the bit and Brentford always give us problems and there is the added scenario of Thomas Frank trying to put one over on his old gaffer. This all with a lot of new players trying to gel and find their feet, with little if any game time together. There are opportunities for banana skins and if we don’t get off to a good start before tougher (on paper) games to come, the post Grealish pressure builds immediately. Obviously hope none of this plays out and we hit the ground running.I agree, Villa have to improve on last season.I think Smith needs to have us in contention for European places by January and the board can go again as needed in the transfer market.
We had Grealish for years before Smith turned up and were a laughing stock in the 2nd tier.It's under him that Grealish realised his potential, and the same with so many others, finally reversing the trend of players joining, disappointing, and then leaving for less.The single most important factor in our rejuvenation is still here, and he's now armed to the teeth.
Different scale but Smith has already cut his teeth on having his best players leave every year.Same goes for Lange too. I've got faith in him but another season like last won't be good enough for the board. We need to constantly be improving.