Villa blog: Garde against change as hierarchy back Remi
Well a very interesting week in the life of a Villa fan, firstly the AGM which I attended, was in my opinion not as bad as has been reported in some parts of the press...writes Villa blogger Justin Hawthorne.
I wouldn't say that Tom Fox or Steve Hollis had a rough time but more mildly troubled.
I thought on a whole they answered everything well without giving too much away, and given where we currently find ourselves both on and off the pitch I think they both want what is best for the club.
Only time will tell on that. They both fully back Remi Garde, which pleases me as I genuinely think he is the best manager we have had for a long time, while the wins are not coming as frequently as we would like or need, I do think he has started to turn our form around, we certainly are more solid at the back now.
That leads me on to the derby with West Brom. The game largely passed without any of the usual blood and thunder we have come to expect from this game in the past.
It was bereft from many clear-cut chances, all the efforts on target during the game though did come from Villa which is where we now find ourselves falling short each week, had we a true finisher of any note in our side I'm sure we would have won the game.
The one controversial moment of the game came when Jordan Ayew was bought down in the box, but the ref's angle seemed to help Albion's cause.
It was interesting to hear Tony Pulis after the game trying to deflect from his own team's poor display with talk of transfer budgets.
So we now move into the last week of the transfer window and the big question on all Villa fans' lips is what business will we be doing?
If I were a betting man I'd say probably not a lot after hearing what was said at the AGM, and I'm sure this will be quite divisive amongst fellow fans.
I tend to agree with new chairman Steve Hollis on this one - it's pointless throwing mega money at it now.
In my option more than likely the only players willing to come to us will be players after a big pay day .
I am hoping we can sign a striker either on loan or permanently and an attacking midfielder, that is where we are lacking.
Other than that, hold on to the main budget until the summer and rebuild then.
Finally I would urge any Villa fan that wants to make a difference to join the Aston Villa Supporters Trust as the more numbers the bigger our voice.
