Dean Smith - Confirmed

[ozzjim]

Without Jack it is what, 13 points from our last 15 games ish?

He needs 2-3 wins to get that off his back, but I can't recall a more disjointed pre season since MON left. I also can't recall a villa manager I have wanted to do as well as Dean Smith, but I really fear for him. I thought this season would be bumpy, watching yesterday back it going to be a long few weeks to get fitness and any style of play going.

[mr underhill]

like that's the first time we've heard the fitness arguement - same shity every year. And where the fuck is Sansom? Here eight months and hardly kicked a ball - it will be a year before he's up to snuff.

[Villafirst]

I'm not convinced at his explanations over the sudden departures of JT & ROK, especially the latter at such short notice on the eve of the new season. Something isn't right. The pre-season has been badly disrupted with JG's antics on top.

[tony scott]

With the two coaches leaving it hints that all is not well behind the scenes, which is strange when all we are hearing is how well run we are. Why haven’t we recruited the physical DM this team needs, yet we have a lot of midfielders odd, anyway the Geordies next I didn’t think I’d have my fingers crossed so early in the season.

[PhilVill]

There’s something not right at the moment, very unusual for a coach to be off days before the start of the season, maybe a complete disagreement about formations/tactics that couldn’t be resolved? Anyhow, we are where we are and Smith must know that it needs turned around very quickly or he will be gone, no way will he be given the benefit of the doubt if they have a run of crap games this year.

[London Villan]

I mentioned it previously that the owners maybe holding on to see how the first half of the season goes before releasing more funds.

[Abbeyfealeavfc]

With the players apparently treating the 1st half vs Watford like a friendly that is as much down to Deano and the coaches that remain, as the players. It's not good enough and needs sorting.
If there are issues behind the scene Purslow and NSWE need to get them sorted and Lange needs to beef up on incoming players before the transfer window closes, so Deano or any other manager (should the owners decide on a change) can take advantage of a full complement of players.
Having spent a large sum of money already the question has to be asked was it spent wisely on the right players if there are no further incomings?
Our preparations leading up to yesterday fell short not least because of the circus surrounding HWCBN. This seems unlike our owners and the way they work. If they're not going to communicate with the fans directly as is their way then their actions become even more important to convey all is well.

[Villafirst]

I mentioned it previously that the owners maybe holding on to see how the first half of the season goes before releasing more funds.

No, they need to make money available now for a top-class DM. Everyone can see this glaring weakness except the management.

[Clampy]

I see in true H&V style, some people are losing their shit after one defeat.

From the little of what I saw, there was a gaping hole in midfield and we looked weak down the left. Lets not panic though, we possibly hopefully have another singing to come in, Watkins and Luiz to come back and Bailey and Buendia will settle. Chill everyone.

[London Villan]

If we don't recruit a midfielder we'll need to play three from Marv, Doug, SJM, Sanson and Ramsey. One deep, the other two further forward.
 
Then three up front - which will be a challenge - from Ollie, Ings, Bailey, Buendia.

[Drummond]

Smith has made great calls with the coaches.

We've got some great players in, who aren't yet fit or bedded into a system. We've lost a great player. Our main striker was out.

We've played one game.

Pre season has been shortened by Copa America, Olympics and Euros and then we lost our main friendly to covid.

Ings scored. Bailey got an assist to a great McGinn finish. We showed signs (when it was too late but still, it was an improvement).

Smith will be fine.

[sickbeggar]

I see in true H&V style, some people are losing their shit after one defeat.

From the little of what I saw, there was a gaping hole in midfield and we looked weak down the left. Lets not panic though, we possibly hopefully have another singing to come in, Watkins and Luiz to come back and Bailey and Buendia will settle. Chill everyone.

A singing midfielder? Hoddle or Waddle maybe. or Gazza? 

[Clampy]

I see in true H&V style, some people are losing their shit after one defeat.

From the little of what I saw, there was a gaping hole in midfield and we looked weak down the left. Lets not panic though, we possibly hopefully have another singing to come in, Watkins and Luiz to come back and Bailey and Buendia will settle. Chill everyone.

A singing midfielder? Hoddle or Waddle maybe. or Gazza? 

Haha, good spot.

[maidstonevillain]

If we don't recruit a midfielder we'll need to play three from Marv, Doug, SJM, Sanson and Ramsey. One deep, the other two further forward.
 
Then three up front - which will be a challenge - from Ollie, Ings, Bailey, Buendia.

What about Traore. Changed the game yesterday I thought.

[Rudy65]

If we don't recruit a midfielder we'll need to play three from Marv, Doug, SJM, Sanson and Ramsey. One deep, the other two further forward.
 
Then three up front - which will be a challenge - from Ollie, Ings, Bailey, Buendia.

What about Traore. Changed the game yesterday I thought.

Agreed. He looked really up for it. I’d start him and Bailey next week