Aston Villa concede four and score none

I don't know where to begin with this one. The result speaks for itself and while I'd like to talk about time and the January transfer window, I'm starting to think that maybe our CEO needs to get out his list and start making some telephone calls.

You see, when Gerard Houllier was appointed, I said it was a mistake. It was a mistake because he was never going to be here for the long term and Aston Villa need a manager that could stay at the club for more than just a couple of seasons.

The secret list

But what is this list I write about? Well, Paul Faulkner, the Aston Villa CEO, will have asked a firm to put together a list of potential new managers. He'll have asked a firm to do it because there are too few 'football' people at the club and seeing as it is his job to be planning for the future, he'll have a list.

And that immediate future is going to very much focus on the January transfer window. The decision that our CEO and owner have to make is very much based on the amount of money they are going to make available, or the cost in getting a new, younger manager in.

I think they will give the manager money, but I'm starting to think that he isn't capable of getting the players up for it. Sure, we are trying to keep hold of the ball longer and yes, we are passing it more, but the players don't look interested.

Yes, it is a process and yes I've banged the drum, but you can not blame me for starting to question it myself now.

However, if it was up to me and I had to make a decision right now, I'd give the manager January and more time. The thing is, I can sense and increasing amount of pressure growing against the manager and when the Villa Park lion roars, the owner and CEO will find it hard not to listen and ultimately act.

One way or another, we will find out very soon. January comes about this weekend and I fancy this manager will want to act quickly. If he doesn't act sometime next week, I fancy he might be off - I don't think the owner and CEO are going to like looking at the joint worst goal difference in the League.

I'm leaving it now as losing 4-0 is a hard pill to swallow. I'm thinking about beer, but drinking beer feeling like I feel now could end up with me waking up on the sofa tomorrow morning and I'm not keen waking up with back pain.

Man of the Match