Aston Villa v Chelsea Pre match

[Des Little]

Voted Chelsea in the poll but now I feel we can get something.

FTF.

We can. Battered.

[villadelph]

What Purslow has said is very worrying. Yes we could have had 6 points instead of 2 in the last couple of games but, by the same token, we could have had nil

What's Purslow said?

Purslow, meanwhile, was asked about Villa’s current form and, according to Villa blogger MOMS, stressed his side had been “unlucky” in recent games and, with a bit more fortune in the final third, it could have easily been six points instead of two against Leeds and Forest.

[Sexual Ealing]

What Purslow has said is very worrying. Yes we could have had 6 points instead of 2 in the last couple of games but, by the same token, we could have had nil

What's Purslow said?

Purslow, meanwhile, was asked about Villa’s current form and, according to Villa blogger MOMS, stressed his side had been “unlucky” in recent games and, with a bit more fortune in the final third, it could have easily been six points instead of two against Leeds and Forest.

Thanks. I'll take it with a pinch of salt. What else is he going to say to a blogger?!

[eamonn]

He's more than a blogger. He's a podcaster, he's Jip Travolta, Peter Popper!

But he did apparently speak to Purslow this week at one of the badge-consultancy meetings, telling him that the negative reaction to Gerrard from the fans was spreading to CP as fans see him as being "symbiotic" to Gerrard. Purslow (whose interest must have piqued with a mere fan using such a fancy word) replied that he has been symbiotic with all his managers and added that sacking Gerrard hasn't crossed his mind.

[villadelph]

He's more than a blogger. He's a podcaster, he's Jip Travolta, Peter Popper!

But he did apparently speak to Purslow this week at one of the badge-consultancy meetings, telling him that the negative reaction to Gerrard from the fans was spreading to CP as fans see him as being "symbiotic" to Gerrard. Purslow (whose interest must have piqued with a mere fan using such a fancy word) replied that he has been symbiotic with all his managers and added that sacking Gerrard hasn't crossed his mind.

Personal attachments are exactly what we don't need from our CEO. This is a results driven business, and shouldn't depend on a hunch or a knack, or a friendship. I understand he's probably lying, but as a managing member of the club, if he hasn't even thought about it then he isn't fit for the job. His entire purpose is to navigate the club and be one step ahead to prepare for future uncertainty.

[ChicagoLion]

Purslow at this point is not going to say anything to undermine the manager a few days before a game.
And nor should he.

[villadelph]

Purslow at this point is not going to say anything to undermine the manager a few days before a game.
And nor should he.

There's a specific way to go about it. Whether its reiterating expectations, saying you have a plan for scenario A or B, or that progress needs to be seen. 9 points from 9 games isn't good enough and we've struggled to win matches going back into the second half of last season, with no semblance of a playing style or progression.

It has to be addressed at some point and maybe its a little earlier in the campaign for it, but if we are in the bottom three come Nov. 1st I don't care what day it is or who we've got next, we deserve answers. Diego Carlos going down isn't an excuse to draw against Forest and a 10-man Leeds, its a cheap out. The World Cup break will either be a blessing or a curse for us, because so many players for us have ruined their chances to go to Qatar.

All in all, with the owners in the building on Sunday - I'm sure they will want some answers too. Especially if Wolves and Saints pick up points.

[Drummond]

He's more than a blogger. He's a podcaster, he's Jip Travolta, Peter Popper!

But he did apparently speak to Purslow this week at one of the badge-consultancy meetings, telling him that the negative reaction to Gerrard from the fans was spreading to CP as fans see him as being "symbiotic" to Gerrard. Purslow (whose interest must have piqued with a mere fan using such a fancy word) replied that he has been symbiotic with all his managers and added that sacking Gerrard hasn't crossed his mind.

Personal attachments are exactly what we don't need from our CEO. This is a results driven business, and shouldn't depend on a hunch or a knack, or a friendship. I understand he's probably lying, but as a managing member of the club, if he hasn't even thought about it then he isn't fit for the job. His entire purpose is to navigate the club and be one step ahead to prepare for future uncertainty.

The problem with what you say though, is that there are no guarantees in football and most things are based on hunches.

[villadelph]

He's more than a blogger. He's a podcaster, he's Jip Travolta, Peter Popper!

But he did apparently speak to Purslow this week at one of the badge-consultancy meetings, telling him that the negative reaction to Gerrard from the fans was spreading to CP as fans see him as being "symbiotic" to Gerrard. Purslow (whose interest must have piqued with a mere fan using such a fancy word) replied that he has been symbiotic with all his managers and added that sacking Gerrard hasn't crossed his mind.

Personal attachments are exactly what we don't need from our CEO. This is a results driven business, and shouldn't depend on a hunch or a knack, or a friendship. I understand he's probably lying, but as a managing member of the club, if he hasn't even thought about it then he isn't fit for the job. His entire purpose is to navigate the club and be one step ahead to prepare for future uncertainty.

The problem with what you say though, is that there are no guarantees in football and most things are based on hunches.

You can take that part out and I feel my point still stands. Having a hunch and hiring your friend is fine.. if it works. Or, if there is any semblance that its starting to work. We've seen none of it and Purslow is posturing around, "Why would I sack Steven? It hasn't even crossed my mind." There are plenty of good managers in this league and barring Dean, whatever you may think of him, we have been absolutely shit at getting that decision right for a decade now, especially when Everton were able to attract someone like Ancelotti.

This is the wrong thread for this discussion - but I hope the owners see past Purslow and evaluate the product themselves on Sunday. Does anyone know if they're already in the area?

[ChicagoLion]

Purslow at this point is not going to say anything to undermine the manager a few days before a game.
And nor should he.

There's a specific way to go about it. Whether its reiterating expectations, saying you have a plan for scenario A or B, or that progress needs to be seen. 9 points from 9 games isn't good enough and we've struggled to win matches going back into the second half of last season, with no semblance of a playing style or progression.

It has to be addressed at some point and maybe its a little earlier in the campaign for it, but if we are in the bottom three come Nov. 1st I don't care what day it is or who we've got next, we deserve answers. Diego Carlos going down isn't an excuse to draw against Forest and a 10-man Leeds, its a cheap out. The World Cup break will either be a blessing or a curse for us, because so many players for us have ruined their chances to go to Qatar.

All in all, with the owners in the building on Sunday - I'm sure they will want some answers too. Especially if Wolves and Saints pick up points.

I doubt if there is anything the CEO could say that would make the situation better.
What would be the point if applying more pressure publicly? Just like you don’t expect managers to criticise players publicly not criticising subordinates is correct or should be in any organisation or any part of an organisation.

Actions speak louder than words and if the results carry on we will see some action.

[villadelph]

Purslow at this point is not going to say anything to undermine the manager a few days before a game.
And nor should he.

There's a specific way to go about it. Whether its reiterating expectations, saying you have a plan for scenario A or B, or that progress needs to be seen. 9 points from 9 games isn't good enough and we've struggled to win matches going back into the second half of last season, with no semblance of a playing style or progression.

It has to be addressed at some point and maybe its a little earlier in the campaign for it, but if we are in the bottom three come Nov. 1st I don't care what day it is or who we've got next, we deserve answers. Diego Carlos going down isn't an excuse to draw against Forest and a 10-man Leeds, its a cheap out. The World Cup break will either be a blessing or a curse for us, because so many players for us have ruined their chances to go to Qatar.

All in all, with the owners in the building on Sunday - I'm sure they will want some answers too. Especially if Wolves and Saints pick up points.

I doubt if there is anything the CEO could say that would make the situation better.
What would be the point if applying more pressure publicly? Just like you don’t expect managers to criticise players publicly not criticising subordinates is correct or should be in any organisation or any part of an organisation.

Actions speak louder than words and if the results carry on we will see some action.

I don't necessarily disagree with you but it looks like someone fed the scoop to Percy today..

[ChicagoLion]

Yes I think the Percy piece is significant.

[PaulWinch again]

Come on Dougie, a hat trick please.

[CT Villan]

Purslow, meanwhile, was asked about Villa’s current form and, according to Villa blogger MOMS, stressed his side had been “unlucky” in recent games and, with a bit more fortune in the final third, it could have easily been six points instead of two against Leeds and Forest.

I'm taking that as a "vote of confidence" in the manager.

He should be gone within a week

[Hillbilly]

Come on Dougie, a hat trick please.

You reckon we’ll get 3 corners in this match? You reckless optimist.