With the future of manager Steve Bruce a hot topic of conversation this week following the takeover by Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens, the fact we were then rather bizarrely linked with former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry sent plenty into a tizzy.
With report after report claiming that a deal was done and that Bruce would receive his marching orders in Wednesday’s meeting with our new owners, it’s more than fair to say the fanbase was split between those who felt Bruce should be stuck by, those who felt Henry was the new Garlic Bread and those who felt Bruce should go but certainly shouldn’t be replaced by Henry.
The news that he retains the ‘full support’ of the owners has done little to sway the debate about his future, we can just park it for a little while and continue to focus on the year ahead and ignore those on all sides shouting the loudest (often me on the forum to be fair!).
Vital Villa conducted a thoroughly well researched and scientifically accurate poll that closed ahead of the clubs’ announcement last night – well JF put a poll up on Twitter, it’s almost the same thing.
46% of fans who took time to take part wanted Bruce to stay. Only 33% opted for the sack and 21% enjoyed the feel of the fence between their legs as they sat on it.
The Birmingham Mail’s Mat Kendrick was also in the mood for a poll, and fans went for Bruce again at 57%, with Henry being only 43%.
Reasonably close to demonstrate the split but not as close as Brexit and far less horrific for the economy but that’s a different debate.
Agreed Rick, new owners wanting a fresh start and to bring a bit of excitement etc. Or stability. I don't have the answers, you don't, lets hope they do and prove to be right. Same as you, I'll support whichever they choose.
— Vital Villa (@VitalVilla) July 25, 2018
Personally I'd keep him but I can see both sides. There's certainly a case for new blood, but only if the right replacement is available. I don't think the right man for the job is someone who's never managed before, regardless of how good a player they were.
— Ian Symes ???????????? (@ianiansymes) July 24, 2018
Keep!!! Best man for the job given the FFP restrictions. Employing a 'name' with no experience like Henry would be suicide, especially with no transfer budget.
— Dean Stanbury (@deanovillan) July 24, 2018
Don't get me wrong in another position I would be very excited by the prospect of Henry, not to mention giving a young black manager a chance…but surely this is absolutely the wrong time?! Yes, Bruce didn't get us over the line last year but he lost both his folks in the run in
— Wil Benson (@wiljbenson) July 24, 2018
If get henry then its past mistakes being repeated how many times we going to get inexperienced managers in. It doesnt work.
— Andrew Clarke (@andywayneclarke) July 24, 2018
Sack Bruce,his time at delivering promotion is past,his methods/approach is outdated and unsuccessful… #SackBruce #avfc
— Sean O'Grady (@villafanalways) July 24, 2018