rubberman

So sticking with Bruce which is probably the most sensible move for now given all the other changes. I want/expect to see the rest of the top positions sorted in the coming weeks so that once we get into the season if/when a change of manager is needed there are experienced people in place to do it / have already planned for it. Time to get professional.

Messi you say...

I don't know what to think. One minute I'm giddy like deadlydirk ^^^ up there and the next I see this as an exact repeat of the RDM debacle. On balance I think a change is probably for the best, but crikey it's a risk and I really hope there is a bigger team in place to support this.

Not for me - didn't like his style at Man Utd.

I did post it. But thought I was having a nice daydream.

Oh god. Is this going to go on for 2000 pages?

That's pretty much was is said about Zola (and Hoddle). They could just do it and couldn't figure out why others could not.

I hope whoever it is is announced with a simultaneous announcement of a new CEO with a football background and/or DOF. We need a full new management team with proper experience especially if it's going to be Henry replacing Bruce, not only to support him but to do some deals quick smart over the next couple of weeks.

Well in that case I'm now going to focus on us winning the league unbeaten!

I'm with thierrytini' - relegation is unlikely this season and my expectations were for mid-table mediocrity. Pretty good time to take a gamble. Let's hope it works out.

Christ - 3 breaks. Always such a pain disrupting the season.

On the fence. No fan of Bruce's football, but he's done plenty in terms of spirit, got Grealish going and got close last year. Without a viable alternative he's not a bad option. Also depends of who we keep / lose / sell / loan. If we've lost everyone and are starting from scratch with kids I'd want someone new. ... Will see what happens.

Should be an interesting day tomorrow...

Anyone got any idea about how these 2 got together / know each other? Seems either could have bought us on their own. Wes (first names for my new pals) has some sports involvement, but not that much that he would be an expert brought in to help out. Have they done stuff together before?

The Bloomberg article states 55% sold, so I think the 40:40:20 twittering is bollox.

Been in a meeting all afternoon. This is a good thing to come out to. Puts a really different complexion to the next few weeks. FFP is still hanging around like a bad smell, but hopefully with the addition of some football nous we'll be able to steer a more positive way through it now.

Let's hope it's f*** off Friday for Tony.

I'd be happy to let Albert go for a decent amount. He's unlikely to repeat last season IMO.

I'm expecting a follow up tweet - "Sorry, I misspoke - Understand a middle east group haven't lodged a two-stage offer."

I know it's a load of bollox, but for a moment in my mind I'm going to welcome our new billionaire overlords and Terry Henry as manager. Good Times.

Sounds nailed on then!

He's the type of player England were missing. 2 years with pottchetino and he'll be a key figure at the euros IMO. Sad for him to go, particularly grating that it'll be cheap, but will be good to see him step up. Hope he fulfills the promise.

It's all true about selling best players etc, but without the horrific financial management of the last couple of years, there's been no indication that Jack would want to leave, especially now. Yes, he may have been tempted away at some point but he and Villa could have dictated the timing and terms. As it is, we are in negotiations (apparently) with Levy - the hardest negotiator in football - with no-one of any experience on our side. Jack will go and for a fraction of what he should go for and we'll bend over and take it. That's why it's sad.

I was on the fence about Xia. I still think he's more likely made bad decisions than been a fraud etc, but who knows yet. The open letter has really boiled my piss though. 1. I don't believe we're not for sale and I think a lot of the wording is deliberately obtuse to the point of lies re finance. However clickbaity the press is, the stories would not be out there without a grain of truth. 2. I had hoped he had villa's best interests at heart, if only because a successful club would me he makes money for him. But sticking around while asset stripping is going to screw us for years. 3. With proper investment and being run by people who know football I still believe there would have been a chance to keep Jack. Xia clinging on has killed this. 4. And if there was really no way to keep Jack and others, why on earth would you let their sale be carried out by a marketing man (however good he is at that), someone who was an intern 2 years ago and a couple of people in China. Up against the man renowned as the hardest negotiator in football. How's that going to work out? Xia out.

Come August 6th, I think you'll be looking back with fondness on the fashion discussions!