Aston Villa have just sacked manager Roberto Di Matteo after the relegated club made a poor start to the season and were beaten 2-0 at Preston on Saturday after they managed to get a last minute equalizer against us the previous weekend.
There were rumors over the weekend that Chinese owner Dr. Tony Xia would take that action and certainly the new owner seems to be very impatient since Roberto was in the job just over 17 weeks.
Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Roberto Di Matteo and Rafa Benitez at Villa Park just over a week ago
An Aston Villa club statement read as follows:
“Aston Villa Football Club has today parted company with manager Roberto Di Matteo.”
“The club decided to act following a run of disappointing results which has the left the team occupying 19th position in the Championship.”
“The club would like to place on record its appreciation to Roberto for all his efforts in helping rebuild the squad and wish him well for the future.”
“Steve Clarke will take over as caretaker manager during the search for a new manager. “There will be no further comment from the club.” Newcastle drew 1-1 with Villa at Villa Park nine days ago.
Steve Clark was assistant manager to Ruud Gullit at Newcastle back in 1998 and was formerly the manager of West Brom.
Villa were in an awful mess this summer so they haven’t given their new manager Roberto much time to fix things at Villa Park have they?
This leaves Rafa Benitez as the only Champions League winning manager in the Championship.
But Rafa has also won the Europa League twice – once with Valencia and once with Liverpool – after he famously won the European top prize with Liverpool in 2005 against AC Milan in that classic when they were 3-0 down at half time.
That was Rafa’s first season with Liverpool and his teams never give up, as we found out last Wednesday night.
So will Villa now try to sign Sam Allardyce or will it be Geordie Steve Bruce?
Both are available and both have experience getting teams promoted from the Championship.
Comments welcome.
127 comments so far
Jib
Oct 3, 2016 at 11:34 AM
Comment #41Thauvin scored for Marseilles in a 1-1 draw away to Angers
http://www.madeinfoot.com/infos/article-l1-l-om-rattrape-in-extremis-a-angers–analyse-et-notes–166169.html
magscar
Oct 3, 2016 at 11:34 AM
Comment #42Tsunki
Nah you don’t even come close to the big boys and girls
Jail for Ashley
Oct 3, 2016 at 11:36 AM
Comment #43Thauvin,
Which one was that again?
Belfast
Oct 3, 2016 at 11:36 AM
Comment #44I should really be on twatter I’m wasted on here. A major talent unfulfilled.
Picture the scenes #rightagain #IamBelfast
Jail for Ashley
Oct 3, 2016 at 11:39 AM
Comment #45You’d be guaranteed four followers as well!
Belfast
Oct 3, 2016 at 11:41 AM
Comment #46Ah ya see Jail these deals change all the time in football. Armstrong to Ipswich was 90% done but he wanted to be closer to his mammy so Barnsley won the race.
Jib
Oct 3, 2016 at 11:41 AM
Comment #47Jeepers
Sting turned 65 yesterday (now a pensioner)
That makes me feel REALLY old !
Belfast
Oct 3, 2016 at 11:43 AM
Comment #48Di Matteo getting the boot is actually bad news because they’ll get someone better in who’ll do a better job. I reckon they’ll go for Steve Bruce myself. He won’t be a popular choice mind but a far better chance of getting promoted so they’ll stomach it.
Tsunki
Oct 3, 2016 at 11:44 AM
Comment #49I read the other day a bit of frustration among some posters that Benitez seems at times to like rotation for the sake of it over and above the dictate of form. I suppose at first glance it’s understandable when a player has been blinder and is promptly ‘dropped ‘ for the following game. I think rafa is working to the model as the whole squad being his potential first 11, not that he’s still making his mind up what his best team is, but gradually working towards the inevitable season end attrition of players which will leave him no choice at some point but to play one player week after week in a position because he is the last man standing. If he happens to be what many consider the second choice, at least he won’t be coming in cold after sitting out the best part of the Season on the bench waiting for an opportunity. Psychologically everyone in the squad knows they are involved as part of the “first team” and that if they last the course they may be top pick. it’s a winning and inclusive mentality that scores over the “play on merit” idea, and it’s ideally suited for the job at hand, not to mention repairing what has been disastrous morale for who knows how many seasons.
Tsunki
Oct 3, 2016 at 11:48 AM
Comment #50Aye Sting is re-releasing some old Police hits to celebrate his bus pass
Don’t Stand,
Don’t Stand
Don’t Stand
Too long I’ve just had my knee done and it’s a bit swollen…
Jail for Ashley
Oct 3, 2016 at 11:48 AM
Comment #51Tsunki,
When you look at his list of honours and awards it’s very difficult to argue that the policy doesn’t work.
magscar
Oct 3, 2016 at 11:48 AM
Comment #52Belfast
Possibly right about Bruce but as an ex-Brummie manager he won’t get an easy ride to start with (think I am right about Brummie spell but stand to be corrected by those who luv it)
Of course owner may not be looking at Brits but look wider afield which could be another mistake. Quite happy for that to happen and keep them away from promotion 🙂
Tsunki
Oct 3, 2016 at 11:49 AM
Comment #53Belfast I think Villas problems are more deep rooted than manager-fixable ones.
Jail for Ashley
Oct 3, 2016 at 11:50 AM
Comment #54Hobbling on the moon.
Jail for Ashley
Oct 3, 2016 at 11:51 AM
Comment #55Every wheeze you take.
Average_Contents
Oct 3, 2016 at 11:53 AM
Comment #56Magscar
I only bring this up as others have this morning and feel I’ve every right to question.
Can you show me where Oldgit wasn’t being unreasonable? A fool, self indulgent, childlike and (obviously) a mackem to boot.
Yes, I can see how that’s being reasonable.
The conversation or ridicule of field Marshall Von jizz for yet another gaff had nothing at all to do with him (obviously we’re on the internet so anyone can join in) but he was never mentioned. Not once. Yet “stuck his nose in” after telling WW he shouldn’t “stick his nose in” all for jizz.
Oldgit1
October 2, 2016
Average contents, can you wind your neck in, you contribute nothing but abuse and have petty arguments.
Are you so deprived of attention that you have to resort to insulting behaviour on EDs blog. You sir are a fool, self indulgent and I suspect is a mackam.
Jib is a favorite poster of mine as a few others, you are however are not. Too childlike.
magscar
Oct 3, 2016 at 11:53 AM
Comment #57Tsunki @49
Good post – said something similar few weeks back 🙂 but still struggle to enjoy the ramifications in terms of enjoyable performances.
Am a little concerned at lack of rotation at striker and perseverance with Diame which I read as being lack of realistic choices at moment. Need alternatives to improve soon or in Jan
Jail for Ashley
Oct 3, 2016 at 11:53 AM
Comment #58Tsunki,
It must be an awful feeling to secretly want the team to lose so that you can leave a told you I was right all along type post, and there are a few of them around.
magscar
Oct 3, 2016 at 11:55 AM
Comment #59Average
Are you saying he has you wrong? Ok you aren’t a Mackem – best I can do sorry.
Belfast
Oct 3, 2016 at 11:56 AM
Comment #60Yes he does have a Birmingham past that’s why he won’t be a popular choice. I think with the players they have they should be doing much better. Bruce would certainly do a much better job imo
Jib
Oct 3, 2016 at 11:56 AM
Comment #61Don’t stand so close to me
(I’ve pissed me pants again )
Tsunki
Oct 3, 2016 at 11:57 AM
Comment #62Jail – Yep. What I’m saying though is that in the Prem, La Liga, Serie A etc, it may be seen to have limitations where you really do have to try and keep a best 11 out there all the time to be in with title chances. Rotation only really occurs in the less important matches, but the players selected for those know they aren’t ‘ getting their chance’ at all. They’re just padding a team out.
Here in the championship, the budget for a capable and all-round good squad which has many permutations of a good team possible really can work. The summer sales of ‘top’ players and replacing the chaff with a solid workable squad with good work ethic and professional attitude I think has created an inclusive environment where everyone feels involved and responsible. I think this works especially well in this league and with the job at hand. If we do get promoted, I will be very interested to see how Rafa continues this model, if he can.
magscar
Oct 3, 2016 at 11:57 AM
Comment #63Jfa@58
The Blog has never been far away from that scenario just different circumstances now 🙂
Tsunki
Oct 3, 2016 at 11:58 AM
Comment #64Jail @58 well you won’t hear me banging that drum 😉
Jib
Oct 3, 2016 at 11:59 AM
Comment #65Driven to tears
(by this bloody arthritis)
Jib
Oct 3, 2016 at 12:01 PM
Comment #66This is worth a play on Sting’s birthday
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1crxmBTxRlM
Tsunki
Oct 3, 2016 at 12:03 PM
Comment #67Wheels of Gold.
Catchy tune that
Jail for Ashley
Oct 3, 2016 at 12:03 PM
Comment #68If there wasn’t rotation there’d be no Rafa bingo.
Jail for Ashley
Oct 3, 2016 at 12:04 PM
Comment #69Tsunki,
Do you mean wheels of old.
magscar
Oct 3, 2016 at 12:04 PM
Comment #70Belfast
Have never wanted Bruce here but I agree good appointment for promotion prospects just not sure he has the credentials to do more than keep them lower table if they go up.
Faced with choices as we are/were with players – buy for now or future and do you even have a choice.
Chopping and Changing managers as Villa and Mackems have done is never a recipe for consolidation nevermind progression. Like the Mackems though I couldn’t really care just have an academic interest in their troubles 🙂
Bobbybee
Oct 3, 2016 at 12:06 PM
Comment #71Local Hero – nuff said. I love that tune on matchday, it really stirs the crowd. Made all the better because he’s not singing on it!
magscar
Oct 3, 2016 at 12:07 PM
Comment #72Jfa@69
Unless we have a serious bout of injuries (God forbid!) Firebug probably already has that won with a record score of 3 (I think?)
Tsunki
Oct 3, 2016 at 12:07 PM
Comment #73“You’ll remember me
When the west wind moves
Er.. when the er….
You’ll remember….er….er…”
Average_Contents
Oct 3, 2016 at 12:07 PM
Comment #74Disclaimer****
If people don’t like my comments then they don’t have to read them. I’ve always said that nor does it bother me.
People could say the same to me regarding the shite jizz posts but and it’s a big but, I’m a NUFC fan and can’t abide by a shitstirring little guttersnipe with mackem tendencies who’s sole intention is to cause unrest with his mates.
Why should he get an easy ride after all the tripe, racist, homophobic and disgusting comments he’s left for all too see. Please don’t say that you’ve never seen them (anyone)
I need my mouth washing out occasionally I’ll agree and do use swear words. Mainly to jizz and his cohorts. I’m not a racist or homophobe though.
Call that what you want but I say it as I see it and I just can’t stand bullshitters.
It’s that simple for me.
Jimmy……Jimmy……Jimmy Smith
Oct 3, 2016 at 12:07 PM
Comment #75I always think I can pick a better team than the manager, no matter who it is. Gayle up top on his own, again. Sigh! Diame in the hole, again. Groan! Dummet left back, again. Low muttering! I’m starting to think Rafa’s being deliberately obtuse in this regard, to keep us keen.
Bobbybee
Oct 3, 2016 at 12:08 PM
Comment #76Waiting…
Average_Contents
Oct 3, 2016 at 12:08 PM
Comment #77********disclaimer
I’m not arsed if anyone doesn’t read that last post or this 🙂
ScoopSouthAfrica
Oct 3, 2016 at 12:10 PM
Comment #78JIB @ 25
Seeing you brought up the Clown Prince it reminded me of a story I once heard that he did not get on with Trevor Ford when he was at Sunderland. Trevor always complained he was putting the crosses to far ahead of him to reach. Shack supposedly said do you want the ball to have the lace facing you or facing away when you head it……..
Hearsay or reality.
magscar
Oct 3, 2016 at 12:11 PM
Comment #79Bobbybee
I am sure you know that is one of Knopflers and not Sumner’s – The Borg (is it?) will be after you 🙂
Bobbybee
Oct 3, 2016 at 12:11 PM
Comment #80Nobody spot the deliberate mistake? 🙂