Villa Comment: Failure to back Remi Garde feels like another boardroom blunder

Superlatives have rarely been in short supply when Villa chief executive Tom Fox has spoken publicly about Remi Garde.

Fox has described the Frenchman, whom he appointed manager back in November, as a 'massive part' of the future at Villa Park, an individual who shares the board's 'vision and beliefs'...writes Matt Maher

It was impossible not to recall these words with a wry smile on Monday, as Garde calmly and deliberately exploded any notion of harmony between the boardroom and manager's office.

The 49-year-old is not the type to rant and rave, yet his displeasure at failing to bring in any new signings could not have been more clear.

Garde knew convincing players to join a club rooted to the foot of the Premier League table would be no easy task, but the glaring insinuation was he had not been backed and, worse, that promises made on spending were not kept.

For a club to not bring in any players during a manager's first window in charge is almost unprecedented, particularly when that club are in such a dire situation as Villa.

They were the only members of the bottom six not to add to their squad and it is difficult not to feel a huge amount of sympathy for Garde.

A man of dignity, he will not walk away from the immediate challenge, but is likely to seriously reassess his options in the summer before agreeing to take on what will almost certainly be a rebuilding job in the Championship.

The board, meanwhile, should reflect on how they have managed to damage their relationship with a man continually lauded as integral to the long-term plan.

Few would disagree spending significant money last month had the potential to do more harm than good, while it could also be argued Garde had not achieved the upturn in results which would have made a move to Villa an easier sell.

But there had been enough to suggest he was on the right track and for the club not to make any signings is almost unfathomable, particularly if, as is claimed in the case of Whabi Khazri, financial support was withdrawn after the player had been convinced to join.

Even when Garde was backed in a move for Lovre Kalinic, the Croatian keeper was denied a work permit.

Fox remained adamant Villa would battle to the end to remain in the Premier League but for many it feels that, in failing to back the manager, a last glimmer of hope has gone.

Garde, meanwhile, is left standing alone, his future just another fresh uncertainty to add to Villa's seemingly endless list.