Almost half (15) games this season have ended in draws and with only 1 win in in our last 10, we are very much in a relegation fight. With 4 games remaining, Bolton on Tuesday night really is a must win!
Saturday saw the return of Martin O’Neill and such as things are both O’Neill and McLeish were both booed. This is a sad statement of just how unsettled the club is at. Given the changes and the “fall” if you like of the club in the last 2 seasons, would relegation be such a bad thing?
This may be the wakeup call the club needs. We have a lot of youth coming through at the moment but there is clearly not the right balance with the senior players. What I mean to say is that the youth show more passion and drive then that of the seniors. As such a “clear out” is needed. Fresh faces and players that want to play for the club are a must for the new season. I remember back a few seasons ago when I was at Villa Park cheering on Barry when his goal helped send Newcastle United down. In hindsight Aston Villa did Newcastle a massive favour. Newcastle have come back bigger, better and stronger. The key to this is that the club is united. If Villa could emulate this then I am sure you would agree, a season in the championship would be worth it.
Over the past 2 seasons Villa have lost the likes of Barry, Young, Milner and Downing – the concern was always who was going to come in as their replacements. The fact is these players were not replaced with like for like quality, therefore I would not be shocked to see anyone go at the end of the season.
My own view is that Alex McLeish should never have been given the Villa job, however I support the club and unlike some, would not turn my back on the club because of such a decision. McLeish has had my support and I have to admit it, you can’t solely blame him for the club underperforming. There are, on many occasions have been times where the players simply are not fit to wear the shirt.
