Villa Fans Want John Gregory Back!

We had a poll suggestion (via the link on the poll box) sent in asking ‘would you like to see John Gregory return?’

The former Villa manager, who was in the hot seat for four years before leaving for what was cited as ‘personal reasons’ which basically means he’d had enough of trying to work with Doug! He had previously attacked the chairman in the local press saying Ellis was ‘in a time warp’. Gregory joined Villa as a shock choice when Brian Little left – yes you’ve guess it, for ‘personal reasons’ mid-way through the 97/98 season taking the team from a relegation battle to the Uefa cup.

Fans became split on the manager because his tactics slowly became negative, defensive and ever so slightly boring! He later explained he set the team up to be hard to beat because he was constantly in fear of his job. Many of the fans, me included, didn’t appreciate what he did do for Villa, until the next two managers entered through the Doug Ellis rotating managers door. His tactics might have become dull, but we rarely troubled the bottom half of the league and at times topped the Premiership. He also took us to our first FA Cup final since 1957 and although the game ended up a great anti climax, looking back, HE GOT US THERE!

Seems 72% of fans who voted have become dewy eyed about Gregory and have said they would like him back. Only 28% said ‘no way amigo’!

Would Gregory return? I’d have thought so. Will he be asked? I’d have thought not! But his commentary for Sky for Villa games shows he has more passion and more love for Villa than David O’Leary could ever hope to have.

Our latest poll asks if Lee Hendrie should be sold. If you have another question you want to ask, click the link in the poll box and suggest away!