It was with a heavy heart that I dug out my ‘Villa never win when I wear this’ jumper yesterday and wore it to the match last night. It was done in the hope that it would work its (black) magic and the failure to get three points would see Bruce depart. And that claret sweat top,
circa 1997, with the Reebok logo duly did its job.
I never disliked Bruce, I thought he was honest and committed and did his best but he was a busted flush when it came to being successful with one Championship team too far. And last night epitomised the failings that we have come to expect.
Team selection was wrong. Why play the very limited Bunn when the perfect game for Nyland to gain some steadiness was at home to the bottom team in the league? And Bunn’s limitations were predictably exposed. Why Grealish out wide again when you should be playing your best player in his best position and fitting the others around him?
And at half-time, what on earth was the team talk which surrendered the advantage to Preston who clearly only had one option, which was to go for it? And, by the way, Steve it was a penalty given against Chester whose restoration to the captaincy by you seems to have sent him
backwards.
And, finally, why didn’t you stop Whelan taking the penalty which ironically may have kept you in a job? There was plenty of time while Bjarnasson was being given treatment to see Whelan waiting, ball in hand, to take the spot kick and to prevent it.
I’ve just seen the list of bookmakers’ favourites to replace SB and have shuddered. The top 6 comprise:
Thierry Henry 5/2 (fav)
Sam Allardyce 3/1
Dean Smith 6/1
Mick McCarthy 6/1
Alan Pardew 8/1
Nigel Pearson 10/1
Apart from Smith who I rate, Allardyce and Pardew would immediately drive me away from VP and the other three are as underwhelming as you can get. So let’s pray that the owners with the help of Mendes have got a new Nuno or similar stashed away somewhere.
Writer: Beanz
