7 managers in 8 years! All these managers were playing under huge financial restraints which was hard enough but they also had the fans on their backs which made it an almost impossible task. Undoubtedly this transfers itself to the pitch to the point where the players were frightened of playing at home. Who can forget that horrible season when we were relegated when playing at home became a massive disadvantage. That negative atmosphere has got have more impact than dubious team selection and playing players out of position.

I fear for the next manager particularly if it is the likes of Dean Smith who has had the time and patience to build a squad in his own making despite the up and downs. We need to be more realistic in our expectations. After all we are a Championship club with players to match.

We need to get behind the team and new manager, whoever it might be, through thick and thin and for the long term if we are to make Villa the fortress it once was again.

UTV