I think it would be an understatement to say that we overachieved last season. Going into the last game of the season with a chance of winning the league was well above expectations. (more…)

To be quite honest, I didn’t think I’d make it this far with Villa, I saw it as a short term rebuilding process that would occupy me until something more interesting popped up. (more…)

Last season was another good season as we again qualified for the Europa League. Finishing 7th was a good achievement and kept us in that upper region of the Premier League. (more…)

I stated in my last post that I’m changing the style of the team quite a bit for next season. Gone is the long ball style, we’re going to get a bit technical. Departures and arrivals are necessary. (more…)

Technically, it’s actually my third season here, but I’m only counting the full seasons as it keeps things simple. I’ve been a bit distracted by other things lately, including the post about my target man,  (more…)

I mentioned in my last post that I’ll not be looking for a huge outlay on players this summer, some key signings in areas that really need enforcing is much more likely. (more…)

Having steered the club away from relegation and to 10th place, I had hopes of a top half finish this year. I’d enforced and improved the club with important signings and cleared out deadwood and players who I didn’t think were cut out for my tactical plans. (more…)

If I’m being 100% honest, I wasn’t expecting much money for the transfer window, so getting over £30m was a huge boost. I needed strengthening in a couple of key areas. Priorities were, a new winger, centre back and centre midfielder. (more…)

Nine games remained and we certainly had room to manoeuvre compared to those below us. A couple of victories would take us out of the relegation zone. We didn’t have time to settle and ease into it. I was thrown straight in as we had two games in quick succession against Stoke and Bournemouth. (more…)