
McLeish: A man born with a grimace.
In the first of a new series we ask the people who really matter – the fans – about their club’s prospects for the coming season. Here Rich Edge reveals his frustrations at Villa’s new choice of gaffer but has hopes for the future if it’s placed at the feet of the kids.
How do you feel about the McLeish appointment?
I was, and still am, amazed that he was appointed. His brand of defensive, we-want-to-get relegated football is a vast change to our previous attacking, exciting football. He will improve our defending – but at what cost? Heard of failing upwards, but this takes the piss.
Realistically what would he need to do at Villa for you to change your opinion of him?
Stay up….finish in the top 10….retire!
So far most of the transfer activity has been out-going. Who do you want McLeish to bring in before the window closes?
Scott Parker, Charles Insomnia and another striker and centre back. Today we are linked with McLeish-like players Matthew Upson – West Ham were bottom and went down (great choice) – and James McFadden who is just utter shite and should play for Cowdenbeath or some other piss-poor Scottish team! We are screwed. A few injuries to key players and we are buggered!
Which player would you like to be shown the exit door?
Apart from the manager? James Collins – good defender but also a liability. Heskey too, although we sadly need him due to lack of options up front. In truth, no one particularly. I think we have a decent balanced squad with a few additions required. Ireland and Warnock are both decent players but its time they showed their worth.
Villa have a batch of promising youngsters coming through. Are they good enough to make a real impact in the Prem?
I honestly believe that last season’s shocking experience for these young players will prove invaluable. The likes of Bannan, Hogg, Albrighton, Clark and Delfonso will do fine. Maybe not all will make it at Villa but they are all good players. Last season, they were without the experienced players to play along-side them.
What one change would you like to see made from last season on the pitch?
The experiment from our crazy French tin man with Agbonlahor as a left winger has to stop. He is much better up front with Bent. Clearly getting on the fringes of Englands team was not enough for Houllier.
What would constitute a good season for Villa?
Realistically, 8th place. Top half for certain. We still have a lot of quality players despite our obvious losses through transfers.
Are there any misconceptions that the media/other fans have about Villa that you’d like to put right here?
The media puts our fans across as being a bit deluded and other supporters label us a small club. That is not the case, as a football club, our infrastructure is very solid with the best facilities. Sadly, recent events have made it clear we won’t be moving up to the big boys anytime soon.