It would not normally be required, but having just been party to the most controversial managerial appointment in the Premier League’s history there is a need to clarify a few issues. There are, after all, certain factors that seem to contradict one another.
In short, the biggest question mark stands firmly over the frequently mentioned ‘vision’ for Villa that apparently Lerner and McLeish share. This ‘vision’ is what Lerner needs to share with the supporters. McLeish gave nothing specific away in his press conference, and in typical style the Board have been disconcertingly vague and secretive. If there is a vision for Villa, why are the supporters not allowed to know what it is?
To hazard a wild guess, the vision is based strongly on around finances. Whilst it is prudent to keep a decent balance sheet, it also implies an acceptance of mid-table mediocrity.
This is supported by the impending departure of Ashley Young (at the time of writing), and recent speculation that Downing has been told he can leave. If the so-called ‘vision’ is to sell all of the best players, then I’d rather they didn’t have one.
It is a concern of many Villa fans, and it is something that Randy may be able to rectify. If he makes a statements along the lines of ‘Downing is not for sale, so don’t even ask’, then perhaps his ambitions will be made clearer.
I think it’s time for Randy to speak to us shirt and ticket buying plebs, and share with us exactly what that ‘vision’ is. I suspect he will not do so, because talk of profit margins and cashflow projections will not be well received.
The Board need to realise that there is a lot of animosity towards them at the moment for the way they handled matters recently and the way things have been ever since with talks of outward moves. If they choose to stay silent, then perhaps it is an even more poignant indication of how they view our beloved club.