Aston Villa striker Ross McCormack was back amongst the headlines yesterday – no he hasn’t done anything or found himself surrounded by fast-growing picket fences – it was simply in relation to news that there appears to be no way back for him under Steve Bruce as he is not with us out at our training camp in Portugal and it seems Bruce has discovered Paul Lambert’s diary and wants to try out the tactic called ‘bomb squad’.
The Birmingham Mail were one of many to pick the news up as the day ticked by.
Looking even bleaker for Ross McCormack at #avfc. Has not attended training camp in Portugal & will not be reintegrated into squad by Steve Bruce, despite the club’s financial crisis. Available for transfer
— John Percy (@JPercyTelegraph) July 10, 2018
Having tried previously to reintegrate McCormack with the first-team squad after previous off-pitch issues where the two clearly had a bust-up, there are no further chances and he’s been left at home to train alone.
Having had a great scoring loan spell out at Melbourne City last season as we got him out of our hair a little, he never returned to the first-team and there was some unfounded speculation that he wasn’t even to be seen at Bodymoor Heath from memory – his last appearance came in the EFL Cup loss to Middlesbrough in mid-September and even then he was only a substitute.
He turns 32-years-old next month and he’s clearly available for transfer as we look to recoup some cash and save on wages – but we’re going to take a massive hit on him one way or another as he still has two years remaining on his original contract.
Bruce might not know what to do with him, McCormack might be out of ideas himself – Villa fans aren’t and nobody seems immune from the flak – some opposition fans offered their thoughts as well.
This is the same manager who never used to play maguire at Hull
— Forthy (@SimonForth1) July 10, 2018
What a great 'man manager' he is
— dogontribe (@dogon22) July 10, 2018
Good. They shouldn't let him swan his way back in just bcus they dont have money. You have to keep your standards.
— Scott (@Scottrowl) July 10, 2018
In fairness, he couldn't get through the gate in Portugal.
— Jason (@JaseTheVillain) July 10, 2018
that horse bolted a while back, I think he's completely shot now
— Tom Raynor (@TOMLUFC1995) July 10, 2018
RDM bought him…
— Luke Frost (@lukefrxst) July 10, 2018
My apologies, you’re right. There’s probably the bigger problem. Allowing an untried manager to spend millions.
— James (@jamesknffc) July 10, 2018
Untried who won promotion with West Brom? And champions league with Chelsea? And also managed Napoli (and failed). He made some ridiculous signings for stupid money but I wouldn’t say he was untried
— Luke Frost (@lukefrxst) July 10, 2018
Also wasted money on Lansbury & Hogan who rarely play. Can't get Richards into the squad. When is anyone going to hold him to account for Villa's mess?
— Foxy (@FoxyN77) July 10, 2018
Not in the slightest bit worried ! Be glad to see the back of the parasite.
— Stephen Roe (@StephenRoe2) July 10, 2018
Shouldn't skip training then and it was more than once
— Scott (@scottavfc9) July 10, 2018
Bruce needs to swallow his pride and give him a shot!!! You never know
— dave (@markdavis281) July 10, 2018
Needs to swallow his pride be the bigger man and offer an olive branch
— Kevin stringer (@StringerKevin) July 10, 2018
Doubt we could give him away
— Henry (@HCsafe) July 10, 2018
Get him down the Gate @BristolCity
— Jimmy Norval (@Jimmynorval) July 10, 2018
A great example of why we are where we are. A massively mismanaged situation from beginning to end.
— Simon Rawlins (@Sprawlsy) July 10, 2018