So Randy has shown his cards: the objective for this season was to avoid relegation.

Job done.

I'm tempted to say that, as an ambition, that was pretty weak. But then I look at the desperate Villa performances from the end of last season and, you have to say - whether cynic or optimist - that Villa would have gone down this season without the Lerner-O'Neill intervention.

For some, the revolution will be too slow. That part of the Holte End which is forever complaining will complain, also, that we only have the same number of points now as O'Dreary gained last season. What they need to understand is the difference between Revolution and Evolution.

The moment Villa gained three points at Boro, this season was effectively over. Who gives a damn whether we finish 9th or 14th? I don't...

Why not? Because I think this season was about a world-class manager making decisions about a squad. Some of those decisions have been surprising - the preference of Gardner over Davis; the preference of Cahill over Ridgewell. Surprising, but ultimately right.

It may have taken some time, but Martin O'Neill has become clear about who he wants and where he wants them. McCann was given a chance, and came up short. Angel was given a chance, and came up short. Berger was given a chance, and wow!!??

This is a class manager - a manager who has given every single one of the O'Dreary era a chance to shine. But now the axe has to fall. And - trust me - it will fall on Sorensen; Hughes; Hendrie; Djemba-Djemba; Davis, Delaney and McCann.

The surprise is Berger - who O'Neill will keep. Why? Because, in a way, he is the symbol of the brilliant management of this Ulsterman...take an ageing, lazy Czech and turn him into your playmaker. Brilliant.

Every player has been given a chance. Next season's first team will look different, and will be a combination of O'Neill's magnetism and Lerner's cash.

I bid goodbye to the bottom half of the Premiership table. Join me in a glass to that - we won't be there again for a very long time.

Comments (5)

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VijayD said:

Whic players are coming in Doc??

April 26, 2007

sam kinshuck said:

whats so wrong with davis?

April 26, 2007

I HATE BLUES said:

I wish i could share your optimism, This is Villa were on about and smthing always goes tits up

April 26, 2007

Shanks said:

I'm so glad mon gave berger a chance to get back in the team, and he has repaid him with brillaint solo diplays this season, thank god for berger! everythime he came on as sub he showed geat wisdom and read the games brilliantly, he created chance after chance with skillful passes that opened up opposition and without doubt ran the midfield when others were weak. lets hope he has another season with us im sure his guidence will come in handy as we push for europe!!!!

April 26, 2007

Nick123 said:

i wish they would just show us the new badge, i've been interested in what it will look like. i,m not sure if the club website is changing too? i'm looking forward to seeing who we sign in the summer.

April 26, 2007

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