From conversations I'm picking up on with family in the Midlands it's not just Conor getting flak. A number of players are coming in for criticism which given the amount that's been splashed on signings and more importantly wages ( e.g John Terry) is understandable. Their Chair Tony Xia has stopped short of giving Bruce the dreaded vote of confidence but speculation is mounting that if things don't turn in Villas favour in the next three games he might be forced to wield the axe. For his part to counter the poll on the Villa fans forum which calls for nominations as to who they might want to see as their new manager, Bruce is releasing articles to the local press "pleading" for time to put things right. Not going to be easy for him. They've got Norwich at home on Saturday, they play Wigan again at home in the EFL and then Bristol City away.
Even Talk Sport had half an hour discussion on 'What's happening to Villa?' Lots of fans ringing in. Had to laugh at one fan saying "We've got all the top championship players, it's not as if we haven't got good players, we got Lansbury from Forest and errr.. Hourihane from err...…..from errr.,.." Goughie interrupted him and said "Barnsley !"
I I think Norwich will come good with the strike force they have. Made me laugh when Bruce asked for more time. "Give me until the end of the window"
He's a miserable pleader.! http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/fo...ews-Steve-Bruce-sack-Championship-Dr-Tony-Xia
I think Bruce is a terrible manager who can only compete by buying success for the teams he's in charge of. I'd dread him or a manager like him ever being in charge at Oakwell.
Interesting - would be a good move for him if it came off Bit too soon to be writing Villa off though. I dont like Bruce and he would struggle to manage a club on a budget but his track record with an open cheque book is pretty decent. I suspect the team just need a bit of "time to gell" and will then climb the table fairly rapidly. I still expect them to finish top 6 - and quite likely top 2
I suspect it's paper talk with him scoring a hat-trick last night but i'd be pleased for him if it was true. I do think Bruce is a worse manager than he was 5 years ago though.