So, we’re now ten games in and Villa fans are debating the level of progress we have made this season so far. I think we can be split into two camps, writes Villa blogger Gregg Williams.
Those who are happy that we’ve picked up more points than in the corresponding fixtures last season, and those that feel frustrated that if money had been better spent in the summer we could be in an even better position.
I guess I can see both sides of the argument. We are struggling without a recognised right back, Zat Knight isn’t inspiring the fans with confidence and without John Carew we look lightweight up front.
Harewood isn’t getting a look in even with big John out. You can argue that this situation was avoidable, we could have signed a right back, we could have kept Gary Cahill, we could have signed a striker other than Marlon Harewood, or even
persuaded Angel to stay for another season.
On the other hand we have improved on last seasons results, and have a transfer window in January where signings of the calibre of Carew and Young, as was possible last year, could potentially strengthen our push for Europe.
If these signings come in January, and it is clear the players brought in could not have been signed in the summer, then Martin O’Neill will be vindicated in his decision to hold off until the winter.
Until then, we need to maintain our top half position, get John Carew fit, win the derby and prepare for a massively important year in 2008.
Villa fans, what do you think? Have your say below
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8 Comments
Agree with most but starting to doubt MON. Very niave to play such a lightweight team against the prems bully boys at the weekend and why is Harewood warming the bench when that game was made for him.
its always going to be difficult attracting big name players to the midlands but my concern is that we seem to settle for lesser players. at no point should we be signing players like marlon harewood who is a championship striker at best. the talk is that john arne riise is arriving in january, that is a step in the right direction but we need to be seen to be bidding for good players not just numbers to the squad. we have to make villa park a place that players want to come to, not point at from the m6 on their way to sign for other clubs.
We ARE moving forward. A little slower than some would like, I agree. MON is definitely the right man for AVFC, but we will need patience. There will be poor performances, but overall the trend has been better performances and better results. We now have a team spirit and togetherness which was missing 18 months ago, and that is invaluable. Great youth players coming through, but we do need three quality players in January. ROME WAS NOY BUILT IN A DAY, have patience and belief. I enjoy going down to Villa Park again on matchday because I can see progress and great effort from all of the players.
I hate to say it but as far as Martin O’Neill is concerned, I’m starting to get a bit of a “living on borrowed time” feeling. Lerner seems to be a very patient and understanding chairman, and every fan wants O’Neill to succeed. Against that, he sometimes seems to be in a bit of a timewarp tactics-wise, and his judgement in the transfer market sometimes seems bizarre at best, and at worst woeful (there’s no point going on about the right-back fiasco again!). The view seems to be gathering pace that the January window could be a critical time for MON. Villa need to strengthen in defence, right midfield, and up front, and any more Harewoods and Knights just won’t do. I think a top eight finish would satisfy most. Anything else means another year just treading water, and there can be no excuses from MON about lack of funds and thinness of squad. In my view, serious questions would need to be asked.
Some of O Neill’s selections have been baffling to say the least none more than continuing to play the same back four despite conceding 8 goals in 3 games prior to the Bolton game. Its about time he played some of the palyers he paid big bucks for ie Curtis Davis and Marlon Harewood otherwise why on earth did we waste the best part of £15 million on them both???
I have a good feeling about the club, but as we keep hearing things will take time and fan have to accept this. We have a good nucleus of young players that will only get better, we have a chairman that is quietly going about his business getting things done and we have one of the most respected managers in the league. Patience, it will come.
Lets judge MON at the end of the season, Keep the Faith.
MON is the right man for the job,we are heading in the right direction,all we need is time.Lets judge him on next season not this season and believe me he will get it right.It took him time to get right at the foxes when every 1 doubt his ability