The scoreline of Rémi Garde’s first game in charge at Villa might look underwhelming. It was anything but.

Bottom of the table, winless since opening day, Villa welcomed top-of-the-table Manchester City to Birmingham, kept a clean sheet, and captured their first point in two months. That’s right…Villa’s last point came in August’s 2-2 draw with Sunderland.

Villa didn’t score. Didn’t have a shot on goal. And it didn’t matter. City didn’t score, either. A vital point that no one expected was tacked on to the paltry four that Villa came into the game with. For a team bereft of confidence and results, holding City scoreless, however it happened, was close enough to a miracle. And if Villa need anything, it’s miracles.

I don’t want to get carried away. It was a 0-0 draw, and City could well have scored and probably should have. But my god, after two months watching Villa contrive to find a way to lose games in every way possible, holding on to come away with something in Garde’s debut was simply massive.

Many of the changes we’d called for were made. Gana, Sanchez, Veretout, Amavi, Ayew, Gil and Clark all on the pitch. Sensible substitutions were made as well. Gestede on in the 84th minute for Ayew. Bacuna on for Sinclair at 72 minutes. N’Zogbia, a forgotten player who was a key part of Sherwood’s brief and bright shining spell last season, reappeared at 65 minutes. Grealish was on the bench throughout along with Lescott.

And Guzan’s big bald head was exactly where it needed to be.

Now Villa have a break for Garde to work with, and the timing couldn’t be any better. Villa have Everton and Watford up after, games in which they can now, perhaps, expect to get something. And while we may still be bottom, we’re only six points off defending champions Chelsea.

I’ll turn it over to Rémi…who, once again, in his post-match comments tellingly addressed the team’s composition. It may be in response to all the talk of a French manager getting the best out of the numerous French players brought in, but it also seems to me to point to something deeper that was going on behind the scenes:

“It was a nice experience and a fantastic atmosphere. It was a tough game. I can be vey happy with my team today. I saw smiles on their faces.

“When you play with sadness it does not help you. I tried in the three training sessions we had to deliver my message. Nobody expected we were going to score two or three goals. The difference between the two teams before was huge. Making sure we were well organised defensively was my priority.

“Some of the players who didn’t start today had problems during the week. Nobody will play because he’s French or Spanish or British. I saw in training how good or bad they were.”

Fair enough…over to you, Lifers. And if there are some reading who hesitate to comment, there’s no need to be shy. I can assure you the rag-tag group of regulars sitting at the bar are actually very nice people, despite what you may have heard. Just keep an eye on your wallet.

Comments 79

  1. Never has a draw felt like a win so much – I feel like we’ve won the league so starved are we of hope .
    As a man city fan said on the radio “I don’t want to take anything away from Villa as any team facing a bunch of players who lay with that much fight and passion will have their work cut out ”

    Hearing Souness having to back track and admit that we made it difficult fur city to play , did I hear that right, the same team you said was managed by a naive novice , made it diffucult for the top of the league citeh

    I love Remis post match interview -no wonder he got that performance out of them . He’s a manager the team can believe in and trust – not one who will turn on them (and is still doing it ) to save his own back.

    Was jumping about so much at the end that I was attacked by the dog – who had already jumped up at the tv and bitten Alan Hutton for some reason .!! My daughter said Im not going to vp with you if you behave like that !!

  2. Nice one john.

    Sancez sitting in front of the back four works a treat whenthere is 2 besides him. Gana and vertout. He is superb at that job.

    If remi findsgoals in his team though ill eat my hat

  3. JC- In less than a week Garde taught a team how to defend by controlling the space and funnelling the opposition where we wanted them. I’m sure as the fitness level rises we will pressure teams higher up the pitch but for me he used what he received from Tim, a disjointed side low in fitness and confidence and produced a result the only way he could. What excites me is he saw it straight away. As the players improve so will the play and results I am Mega made up.

  4. From the telegraph – a neutral view

    Garde’s French revolution made an impressive start as City failed to score for only the second time this season, offering Villa hope in their annual battle against relegation.

    It was frantic, desperate stuff in the final stages as Fernando headed against the crossbar but Villa would probably have lost this game a few weeks back.

    The sound of boos at the final whistle has been the soundtrack of Villa’s season so far yet this was greeted with rapturous applause, supporters sensing a way out of the mud.”

  5. And we defended well against a world class team . Sanchez did really well against YaYA .

    I hear what you’re saying Andrew – RL has to buy a good quality striker in the Jan window . I actually think Guzan will do ok with an organised defence in front of him and with a decent manager – in more ways than one .

  6. Good old Stan and co – said we were too attacking and light weight before the game and then criticises us for lacking in the attacking dept. What about GNev laughing at us for setting up like that against top of the league champions . The truth is they thought we’d get battered and they said as much . There’s a deafening sound of back tracking in the media tonight 🙂

  7. at long last a manager not the village idiot in charge
    we need a few players in january no doubt but if this fitness guy gets to work plus more game time for vertout few others one major fuck ups of mcdonald 2 matches to get them up to speed

  8. John – I think that under Remi , we are better than Sunderland , Norwich , Newcstle, Bournmouth , west Brom for starters – I don’t think we will be relegated but to make our life easier RL has to listen to Remi in what he thinks we are short on . He’s exoecting too much when we have effectively thrown out first 11 games away . What team can afford to do that . I would imagine Newcastle and Sunderland fans will have looked at that game with a degree of envy .

  9. Agreed, Jenny…We have conceded a lot of the season, but I’m glad they gave Tim the sack without further delay. There was no more time to waste.

    And yes, RL does need to listen to Garde.

  10. I honestly didn’t expect that. But a point is a point is a point. This could be the monkey off their back. Nice to see Guzan using his head. 🙂
    Looking forward to the next game.
    Liverpool lost—pity– 🙂

  11. Blimey, a clean sheet and a whole point. Life is getting better ……..
    I think one of the things that hit me watching the game was that RG was talking to his sidekicks during the match, discussing what was good and what was bad ……. And when we made substitutions the players had a full briefing before they went on the pitch.
    When Zog came on I wasn’t happy but he seemed more committed, knew where he should be and actually tracked back. As well as switching wings.
    Also Veretout, who I think could be exceptional, switched sides during the game. When did we last see tactical changes being applied during the game like that?
    All in all this was a day of great promise …….. let’s hope that the break coming up will allow RG to further get the players up to speed both fitness wise and tactics wise.
    Champions league anybody? 🙂

  12. Jenny said:
    “Was jumping about so much at the end that I was attacked by the dog – who had already jumped up at the tv and bitten Alan Hutton for some reason .!! ”

    Now can you please train your dog to have a go at Gabby?? His hind end is so huge your puppy simply couldn’t miss!!

  13. Oldvilla- made a change from dumb dumber and even dumber didn’t it. He stood the whole game studying the play like a hawk and directing the players like a conducter

    might be good news for Gary Gardner having had similar injuries to Garde might prove an interspersion to the lad.

    vertoute could be the best of the bunch IMO

    I’m saying it now, I think Garde just might resurrect Gabbys career if he can get some weight of him

  14. Now can you please train your dog to have a go at Gabby?? His hind end is so huge your puppy simply couldn’t miss!!
    Arf, arf, nearly wet myself.

    Great to see so many happy Villans, its years since we had so much optimism.
    Have a feeling that Veretout and Amavi will be scouted by the Sky6 by the end of the season. And TS wanted those Spuds reserves !!!

  15. Evening all,
    A starting 11 that wanted to play for each other, backed themselves and were free of passengers. Great support too. Found the last ten minutes draining.
    As the grumpy accountant next to me pointed out – likely Gabbys best performance of the season today too.
    Now lets start the next game without 6 changes and watch the miracle unfold.
    UTV!

  16. Steamer- Just watch Timmy supporters declare they always knew Garde was a good choice after a couple more games. The Hens in this country couldn’t lay enough eggs to cover all the very red media faces.
    we will have to face the vultures at some point but the point of moneyball is to have 5-6 replacements for each position scouted so they slot into the machine with minimal fuss.

  17. Bibulus- a trim speedy Gabby could of won us that today, we were not quick enough or direct enough when needed and garde Knows it. Hopefully the trainer can whittle him down and Garde build him up in the noggin, tough I know but a flying gabby would be a big plus no matter how he’s been lately.

  18. A great start from our new cerebral manager. Intelligent and considered. He also picked a balanced team including the players that most Villa fans would select.

    Villa played some tidy passing football in the first half and we witnessed some courageous defending in the second half.

    A clean sheet is massive to restore the confidence of the defence.

    We will need to improve in the final third if we are going to win games. I actually think Gestede would have been the better lone striker today. Scoring goals will be the big challenge for Garde.

    With the pace of Traore and err Gabby to come back into the side we will have more attacking options. Grealish will also offer an alternative creative dimension. The manager will start from a clean slate so we could see Kosak get a chance just like Nzobgia did today.

    A great start for Garde – congrats.

  19. Richards- Ayew worked his nuts off, gestede wouldn’t have been as effective playing on the break, also Ayew drops into midfield quite well. Garde knew if we had pushed out enmasse we would be massacred so Gestede a no go until he beefed up the midfield with Nzogbia and Bacuna just in case we could drop one on his bonce IMO

    what did you think of remis clobber? his assistant looks like Ginola with grey hair

  20. I can’t remember the last time we had a manager who understood tactics! What Garde has achieved in less than a week and he got it spot on, it wasnt pretty at times but it was effective. He now has the international break to work on a system to beat Everton! I may even put a £5 on him being manger of the month!!! UTV

  21. My French mate who lives near Lyon texted today:
    “Keep in mind Garde has done a great job in Lyon without means
    Villa can have an interesting second part of the season”

  22. Nice review, JC.
    It is great that Villa has finally provided us with reason to be optimistic.
    The new manager seems balanced. I suspect Villa will eventually avoid the great fall. Hope so!

    Old Villa
    What peak is that in the background?

  23. Napolean: “Bring me lucky generals”
    Early in the season we played well at times but were unlucky. Yesterday the luck was with us for the first time this season
    Gary Player: ” the more I practice the luckier I get”
    the luck may have turned yesterday, but we kept playing right to the end and weren’t hampered by incomprehensible substitutions.
    Wouldn’t it be nice if we now have a lucky general. . . . who has a plan and will work hard to create that bit of luck the club, players and fans deserve?

  24. Robbo- The difference was when the pressure was on and we got lucky they didn’t go headless chicken which usually leads to conceding they just kept their shape. Great thing about discipline is it will get stronger the more you practice.

    Ian- you’ve got the horn for Steamer to much info mate 🙂

  25. Got to see the second half as my two daughters were in a gymnastics show yesterday but have the game recorded and will watch in full after work but as per my facebook comment.

    Great team selection and formation set up against citeh, unfamiliar use of tactics in a game, not seen in VP for years 🙂 and great use of substitutions to see a game out like Bacuna on for Sinclair.

    Guzan has been criticised widely on here and elsewhere including by me and the opinion will slowly change but boy did he earn his wage with that performance and may as above come good again with a solid defence in front of him.

    With Jenny, let a roar in the pub like we won, only Villan there with a table citeh fans near me. We’ve loads of points to fight for and a manager who manages, things will change for us but regardless we need to settle on Remi for his full contract and stop pressing the panic button.

    Got some funny looks in the pub when I shouted wanker on 78 minutes. Stand out moments – Clark’s tackle on Navas i think, Guzan’s headed save and Hart’s face when Gestede threw the ball back to him gently.


  26. D’OR

    I think yours was the first mention of Clark who I think was the big difference in defence. I’ve been wanting Lescott out, as have others, and Clark showed exactly why that should be.

    Sixth place finish anyone? 😉

  27. Trinity – thats the Matterhorn in the background mate …….. taken from high up at a restaurant at a place called Gornergrat ……… just above Zermatt. Thought they all needed to see the Villa colours up there 🙂
    I’ll be moving over to Switzerland next year and getting married so getting to the Villa may be difficult lol ………. I need to find a local Villa supporters club I guess …….

  28. I think the commentator had a hard job choosing player of the match and chose Richards for his organising. I agree about Guzan he will fare better with an organised defence but that is true of the whole team, being organised created a calmer mind set and will make it easier for players to slot in and out.

    Watched Gestedes throw in and he was trying to throw it out for a goal kick instead of direct to the keeper. He threw it that hard it swerved towards him but what Hart was doing out of his area god only knows.

  29. I watched the game back last night after work. It was the first time since Liverpool semi final that we had a game plan. Going forwards, we need major work. Jan we need a top all round striker although I like Ayew now. Sinclair I don’t. Get Adama in

    Back to the game, I liked the positions of the ball Gana and Veretout picked up when we were in posistion. Instead of staying in front of the opposition midfield, they tried to get in behind them with Gil running where he wants. What a terrific little player. Amavi shown why starting Richardson was a joke. Sanchez was solid. Clark and Micah could be a good partnership

    One thing I noticed watching it on Sky was how much talking Garde and his assistant were doing. Something Jenny picked up on that Sherwood wasn’t doing.

    Hope Gabby never plays again for us. Don’t know where Adama is. Should be ahead of Bacuna on the bench p. his pace could be lethal for us . Zoggy as well could be good for us if he can bet going

    Zoggy, Adama, Gil, Grealish – We should have plenty of creativity. Gana and Veretout like to get forwards as well

  30. Frem- I hope Gabby gets back to somewhere near his MON best because he is ideal for games like that, maybe garde can work some magic on him.

    when we play the lesser teams I’d expect to see us further up the pitch and that interplay between
    gil, vertout and gana will result in runs into the box. our starting point was to far back but understandable.

    The difference with having garde on the line is he’s like a conductor whereas Tim just put a CD on

  31. I don’t think we have been unlucky in games….we have been losing games because we make stupid bloody mistekes all the time.

    Looked at the game again and for de bryne and sterling to have the freedom of the six yard area was crazy. another day it would of been a loss.

    I think we will go 442 diamond to try and get goals. Would love to see kozac next to ayew.

    Guzan
    Hutton Richards Clarke Amavi
    Sanchez
    Gana Vertout
    Gill
    Ayew Kozac

  32. Gill is my fav player now. He is a little genius. Our very own david silva in the making. Vision, composure, left peg der hammer would be proud of, touch, technique.

    Ts should be shot for showing him complete disregard. Vertout could be a hell of a player and with gana next to him the midfield should be ok along with sanchez.

    Westy and gabby were injured but surly they wont be getting back in?

  33. Andrew- the fact we got a point by being organised is the point mate, Its not our problem if city scuff their chances, don’t aim at the bar, cross your legs or aim at guzans head if you want to score.

    We could say we had a few half chances that could of gone differently but Garde isn’t claiming that, just the effort deserved something form the game. Being organised in Tims games would probably have cut out individual error to some extent which come about through lack of concentration. If Timbo had us concentrating on out shape and positioning like Garde did we wouldn’t be in the crap of that I’m sure

  34. Aftert a dodgy start i wouldnt swap the ayew brothers over.

    Jordan has touch, arragance, skill, pace and works hard. He could be some player.

    At least theres reasons for looking forward to watching villa now. Great timing for international break too.

  35. Mark

    Yeah for sure i get we were well organised and def a better team selection and subs. But we have to stop switching off and gifting teams open goals. Micah spent more time waving his arms around and blaming others than getting into place. I thought Amavi was pretty isolated too 2nd half. City kept getting the ball to Navas

  36. Andrew- I wouldn’t count out any of our players and Garde has said as much, if we get fitter as we did under Houllier and the French fitness coach and players are played to their strengths who knows who will perform.

    Your right we really do have some gems in the side, and they are all the ones Tim didn’t fancy much

  37. Andrew- yes mate its not perfect but just a starting position, listening to souness and others before the game they expected a massacre. Just shows you you don’t need 11 defensive minded player to defend! keeping the ball is just as good and we are quite good at that, their midfield couldn’t get near Gil, superb, ran himself into the ground.

  38. I wonder if Stan will apologise to the German, fox and Riley if this manager and new players prove to be very good? Lerner is fair game and the isolation of the fans but if the others prove their worth will he swallow his pride?

  39. At last! A midfield that looked like they wanted the ball, made space, passed and moved, and went round people! It was a revelation!

    It was a performance that was much needed. Sure there is work to do, but it showed we do have some of the tools we need to stay up, and can play some exciting football.

    I thought Gil was excellent in the first half, showed Grealish what we need in the squad as I thought he was especially poor against Spurs.

    Lets hope this is the start of something better.

  40. I don’t see much need for team selection to change other than tactical changes in possession to move to 4-3-3 and 4-5-1 out of possession, playing higher up the pitch against the teams just above us will surely create chances for Ayew/Sinclair/Gil.

    Would like to see Adama come on as a game changer in terms of direct attacking and would like to see Kozak get his chance as well and prove to all of us once and for all if he is prem quality or rightfully missing out, we’ve enough options within the team to vary our attack including route 1 to Gestede and we finally have the manager that can exploit this.

    Next two weeks are ideal to work on this, is there many on international duty?

  41. Benteke would have probably flourished even more so with the midfield talent that we have now around him but as opposed to Lerner financing things, Benteke’s sale was the catalyst for better personnel in nearly every position and come January, a striker, a viable RB option similar to Amavi, if this isn’t Ilori and a better second choice keeper to challenge Guzan would be brilliant.

    Not too much to ask for in our rebuild efforts.

    UTV

  42. DOR- dare I say it Hutton is improving. I don’t think we will ever cure his crossing but he is defending much better.

    what did people make of nzogbia? I thought he looked strong and dangerous maybe a threat to Sinclair’s spot, but we have been here before though. Wouldn’t it be nice if the saviour of Wigan turned up in our darkest hour and slotted 10 goals in this season 🙂

  43. Agree on Nzog, he looked usefull. If remi gets his head right he can be a threat. He is no slouch, strong, composed and can deliever a ball. Its all in the mind with that guy.

    Very Interested over the next month on how and if Illori, kozac, adama and grealish will be used. So worried westwood will come back in but surly not?!

    I have always like kozac, has the gift of time and place to get goals and the composure to finish. Could be missing a massive trick not playing him.

  44. Afternoon all –

    I see we are still basking in the success of yesterday – and massive success it was regardless of us not getting the win and not getting a goal.

    Texas , my puppy (hes 12 months now so he’s adolescent ) wont be able to keep up with Gabby when he has been through the new fitness regime that Duverne has got in store for them. I hope !!
    It was great to watch MOTD2 last night. Janus said of all the managerial appointments (including Klop) the change Remi had made in such a short time was the most impressive As he said, they look a different team and they are playing a different way already. Martin Keown also said that Villa played how he expected Remi to get them playing – one two passes – keep the ball on the floor – keep possession. We had 48 percent possession in the first half ! THey then showed our passes at the beginning , wow we look like a classy football team. They also said how clever Remi had been from doing his homework – we were set up to stop CIty playing through the middle and forced them out onto the sides. How many managers would have achieved this in the space of four days or thought of it. . This guy is a thinker and whilst we were shaking with nerves at the prospect of facing CIty, Remi was studying how they played and devising a plan.

    And that is the next point. We had a plan. It must be such a relief for the players. What happens when you have a plan is that the players can focus on the plan and not let the nerves take over. They know their jobs, they know what they have to do. We are at our most vulnerable to nerves when we are facing the unknown – when our mind is ruminating on the what ifs – and not having a clear strategy. Remi has given our lads a plan and that is why IMO they are playing with more confidence and belief.

    Old villa makes a good point about Remy talking to Ronnie Ray (I assume that is who is next to him) I also saw him chatting to Nzog and telling him exactly what he wanted him to do. Good leaders don’t try and make all the decsions , they seek advice even if they don’t take it. I don’t know what was going on with TIm and his assistants but it wasn’t good. Two heads and all that.

    Then we get to the post match press conference. What a joy. He speaks clearly and honestly. “we deserved a point but no we didn’t deserve the three”. But he was most pleased that “his players came off smiling …. you can’t play with sadness ……..yes I want to see more goals but this is Man City, I didn’t expect three or four goals you can’t set up like that against a top of the table team…. but we will be working on that area ….” So Remi has shown the GNevs of this world that there are more ways to protect yourself against a world class team than the old school throw every defender on the pitch.

    There have been lots written about Remi’s first game in the press – and whilst some are disparagingly saying that the players were giving the effort because they wanted to impress etc etc I don’t hold with that. We didn’t just see effort we saw more belief. We saw belief that they could pass the ball and put together some classy moves. There is also talk that Remy has just been hired to get the french players up and running because Riley and Fox are clinging onto their jobs. With Sherwood saying they aren’t good enough he is implying that neither are the hirers. Maybe this is part of the thinking but I think that misses the point of what we are seeing. Remi has said that there won’t be any more french players (I guess for the balance in the dressing room) and he picks on talent not nationality. His skills are far greater than just being able to “get on with the french”.

    My daughter said when the camera showed Remi walking into Villa Park “he looks nervous”. I am not sure I entirely agree but then I don’t think that is a bad thing. I see a man who doesn’t crave the limelight, a man without vanity and a man who puts the team first. Let’s face it , he had the toughest opposition in the league – against a home crowd , who practically destroyed GH (I am talking about the Wigan game ) and this was his first game in the premier league. I also liked that he didn’t start getting agitated pitch side when we were under attack. He kept his cool – he issued instructions. This is vital for our inexperienced players.

    Also, he is very composed with the media and writers have already said how pleasant he is to work with. They have been allowed to take photos and watch training and he is open with them too. He seems to have no insecurities to hide and we know that he refused to take the managers job at Lyon until he felt that he was ready.

    Sorry if this sounds like I am Remi’s PR officer ….but If you are reading this Remi – can I be your assistant !!!!

    I am hoping to see a “Welcome Remi” sheet at VP next time I go – or I might just make one up myself.

    FInal thought – Nzog looked good when he came on for his cameo performance . There is a chance that with an arm round him and a fellow frenchman – he could get his mojo back. I always thought he seems isolated . How great would this be.

    PS love the Buble Ian – it has to be the song of the week !!!!

  45. Jenny,
    Enjoyed reading that.
    First time in ages i’ve felt any pride around the club.
    British managers have systems but not plans, Garde has more nous in his little finger than McCleish, Lamebert and TS put together.
    Goodbye Gab & Crab.

  46. Jen I’m afraid we will have to suffer a lot of tripe before they realise he is a good manager, as I posted earlier what will all the detractors say then, Stan could have a face like an omelet if he’s not careful 🙂

  47. Hey Mark
    I was referring to the horns in the vid. I imagine Steamer has a fine turn of the leg though.

    Maybe Gabby will be played in his preferred position now and make us all eat a bit of crow as well as some of the other misfits who perhaps were being misused these past few seasons.
    If reporters are allowed into the practices, then we will know who deserves a spot on the weekend and not by guessing why someone is either in or out.

  48. Ian- garde was talking about composure in the box and acting like you are the bee’s knees when you score, all things Gabby needs to relearn. To be a good striker you need to be dead calm when in front of goal and let your well drilled instincts and training take over not shit your pants.

    Tim thought he was the dogs with strikers, I think Garde will prove better, would love to see early gabby return, tough ask though on recent years performances

  49. Our scummy stewards were at it again, ejecting fans in L7 for standing, they also got 3 game bans.
    What is it with Tom Fox , why does he want to use the big stick and drive fans away from VP ?
    Villa allow away fans to stand so what is the problem ? This lowlife brings nothing to the table, get rid now.

  50. Mark,
    The thing about losing your pace is that you don’t get it back and he has very little, if any, ability.
    Perhaps we could transfer him to Masterchef.

  51. Has anyone else wondered whether RG’s mate Mr Wenger maybe helped him with how to combat Man City yesterday. As it obviously helped the Arse that we stopped City getting 3 points ………
    Just a thought …………………

  52. Jenny said:
    “We didn’t just see effort we saw more belief. We saw belief that they could pass the ball and put together some classy moves.”

    Perhaps the most accurate assessment I’ve seen yet of our play against the ‘Citehzens’; just imagine, if it feels so much more hopeful to us supporters to have a calm and confident tactician in charge, how much better it must feel to those actually on the pitch!

  53. I was watching some of Grealish’s earlier games, particularly at Notts County and his play was much more direct both passes & direct play was always towards the opposition goal.

    If you look at his play under Lamberk & TS it was more sideways passing and running to the corner flag to try and put crosses in or simply winner a corner. Hopefully Garde will work with him to bring back his more direct play. For the first time since Brian Little was appointed as manger, I feel confident! And so happy, can’t wait for the Watford home game!

  54. Steamer said:
    “First time in ages i’ve felt any pride around the club.”

    Exactly what I was thinking last night!!

    The only time I’ve felt anywhere close to this was after our cup semifinal dismantling of the Scousers; but even then I was also filled with much trepidation because it was obvious that Benteke, Cleverley, Vlaar, and Delph the Snake would all leave — and then where would we be? Now I feel more quietly confident that what we’re witnessing can be sustained for a while.

  55. Old Villa- since arsenal have lost to city for the last 2 seasons I’d say no, unless he said Hide 😉

    I think what we are witnessing is the rebirth of hope, lets hope its not short lived.

  56. Well, Moyes got the boot from Real Sociedad after all! This after the Sociedad swore up-and-down their support for Moyes as their manager. It’s obvious now they intended to sack him all along, but just wanted poor deluded Lerner to pay them to do it because they knew of our interest in him.

  57. Lucky break that Moyes wasnt sacked after Remi was appointed there was enough pressure ( from media and very many villa fans, to take him on, even when he still had a job!

  58. Here’s a Steamer quote from earlier today: “British managers have systems but not plans, Garde has more nous in his little finger than McCleish, Lamebert and TS put together.”

    Now here’s a quote from a BBC article examining what went wrong with the Moyes tenure at Sociedad (I’ve bracketed the most relevant section with asterisks):
    “But he is already facing criticism for failing to make sufficient effort to integrate after failing to properly learn the language or develop relationships within his club, **as well as claims that his tactical approach was not sophisticated enough in a league where team strategy is very important.**”

    What do you think, did we dodge the proverbial bullet by not hiring Moyes?

  59. Definitely mate, I couldn’t see a decent foreign club employing a Brit, in fact i think Moyes may have ended that option, so it looks as if all our future ex-players will have to work for a living, hopefully not as pundits.

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