So, conflicting reports. Some are saying that Gerard Houllier is definitely going, I was in that camp by the way. Others that Gerard Houllier is staying.
I think the truth lies somewhere in between to be honest. I think it will rest on whether the doctors are willing to sign him off as fit enough to return.
Personally… and I mean NO harm at all to the man, he’s a top bloke apparently … I hope they aren’t silly enough to say he is fit to resume such a stress filled job. I can’t actually believe that GH is so selfish as not to have stood down already and although I admire the fact he is battling ill health – been there, seen it, bought the t-shirt and I was only 21 when my brain aches started … then again, I nearly died a few times and NEVER was selfish enough to hold anyone else back, quite the reverse.
So on the one hand there is admiration for the fight. But the overriding feeling is that …. especially after his disrespect to Villa fans last season it has to be said… I am losing any remaining respect for the man, who let’s be clear, wasn’t fit enough to last a whole season, his first season at Villa and when he was fit enough he managed to alienate a massive proportion of the fan base with ridiculous comments about our club and pretty clearly he also alienated or didn’t ‘unite’ the dressing room.
You only have to look at the Stewart Downing comments to see that all is not well in the dressing room, it does not take an itk or a genius to see that good players want out and that is down to the manager’s style or the lack of cohesion. That cohesion has to come from top down.
So, what do we do? Some are already frustrated and complaining in the forums about the lack of communication. Thing is, surely the club can only communicate when they have something to say?
Maybe they have to wait for the doctor situation before they can make their decision? Maybe things have changed, maybe (just speculation this, no itk) they have realised they can’t just get rid of the manager, it could cost them millions.
No, my disappointment comes in the manager himself. He didn’t look good many times whilst sitting on the bench hunched up and all wrapped up. What on earth is he putting himself through all this stress for whilst being so ill?
This is the road to madness.
I must admit, despite all that, if the decision comes in that he is staying, again I’m speaking with a clear conscience that I’m not breaking any confidences at the moment, hence I thought I’d do this article now whilst on holiday in Turkey.. that and I’m a sad git… where was I? Oh yes, if he is staying, my stance is see what the summer brings… see what players come and go and then give him until January to see an improvement.
I refuse to bang my head against a brick wall if a decision is made.
Right, now that is fairly logical. Football, as we all know isn’t logical, the anger was tangible last season and the lack of leadership clear for anyone to see. The heckles and boos were all around and that won’t improve unless we get off to a great start. For some GH has burnt his bridges already, for me I just want Villa winning, if he can do it, then I’m happy as a bunny (not an image you wanted is it, me in a bunny suit, but hey ho!).
SO … if the board do make the decision to back the manager – and I don’t feel like a creep in anyway when I say I think the owner and board are the best we could have hoped for during all those Ellis protests, they have backed their managers to the tune of a fortune and have turned Villa round in so many ways, other than the on the pitch stuff, that is the managers domain…. again, where was I? This free bar makes writing articles a bit tricky and the sun is shining out there and I’m in a lobby talking football… sad git… oh yes, if they back him and keep him, they need to batten down the hatches, I fear it will be a huge mistake and that the backlash will be massive.
Time will tell. IF he stays, get out of the blocks quickly Villa, if not, the bells won’t be ringing, they will be tolling. Also, I’d imagine if news does come out that he is staying, after all he did wrong last season and considering his health, I wouldn’t be expecting season ticket sales to be anywhere near previous levels.
Whatever happens, I’ve renewed, I’ll be there, I support the Club not any particular manager. However, I might have to re-think my banging of the boardings. I sit right by the dug out, I’d hate to be the one to finish the manager off with the shock of the noise.
The serious point is I don’t think I as a fan should have to go to games next season worrying whether our manager is healthy and ok or not. The situation is not a good one, I for one don’t see why we should have to be more worried about a managers health and strength than the thoughts of football.
That is a situation that one man could have ended, that is the manager, for the sake of his health and his family, he should have taken the second warning (first being his massive operation after being taken ill during a Liverpool game) as his body saying ‘enough’ and he should have bid us bon voyage and waved bonjour.
Sadly, he hasn’t and now the Board are caught between a rock and a hard place.
So, an exodus of players and potentially many fans not renewing season tickets?
Happy days….
Now where is my sun cream, don’t want to burn my baldy head now do I?!
Our latest poll asks how you’d feel if GH stays.
Vital Villa on:
Vital Villa on:
Join Vital Villa
It’s easy to REGISTER, simply click the link and enjoy getting involved!
