The Prophet

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cj0vvp030e5o Dale is a proper cartel cuck. Here is tying himself in knots about recent decisions given against Liverpool.

That's a different debate, but I'd agree Emery is a lot more seasoned at managing a European campaign, granted we're yet to see how Howe would cope with the lesser intensity of the Europa League. Just being open to a couple of January loans made a world of difference to Villa last season and should be something we review going forward.

Up until last summer they did, that may now have changed, but still doesn't really alter the point. Again though, it's much of a muchness. Both working under financial restrictions for four sessons, similar squad costs, similar wage bill, two CL qualifications each and potentially a trophy each. Both have done very well, but I don't think there's a convincing case to say Emery would have done a better job here. That's the only point I'm making really.

The "we sign too many athletes and not enough footballers" is becoming one of those forum myths that is strengthened by it's repition. Last teansfer window we signed Ramsdale, Thiaw, Ramsey and Woltamade who are all technically sound, with only Thiaw being particularly athletic. Granted Elanga and Wissa were very much functionality over football. That's to add to Trippier, Botman, Hall, Bruno, and Isak, along with complimenting Schar and Miley who are all individually decent with the ball their feet. We have also signed functional, (Pope, Burn, Targett, Barnes, Wood) and players who are physical work horses, particularly in the wide areas (Tino, Tonali, Gordon), but it's been a mix for sure. I agree that we should sign more midfielders who are calm with the ball at their feet and wide players with a bit more guile, the latter is a valid criticism of our recruitment, but we have signed some really good footballers. In terms of ball retention, the coaching is a bigger concern for me, as some of these lads are currently far worse on the ball then they should be. I get we like to get the ball forward quickly, but t isn't remotely crisp or incisive.

Granted Isak was far better than all of these from the off, it took him a season or two to mould Isak into the striker he became.

My point is that Emery had a better squad to begin with and has still spent a decent amount. Even if our wage bill overtakes there's, the clubs have been on similar trajectories while they had a higher wage bill. When you look at the financial constraints both clubs are working under, both managers have done a cracking job, but I wouldn't say there's anything to suggest Emery would have done loads better than Howe.

I just took this down to rephrase it. Our squad cost is around £100 million more than Villa's but they have the higher wage bill. It's much of a much really. Both clubs have punched above their weight and both managers have done a cracking job, we do have the added addition of a trophy though. I know the forum loves to praise Villa's achievements and downplay our own, but there's no guarantee Emery would have outperformed Howe. Especially when you look at his track record.

Just need Sporting to do the business.

At least we've found TBG's Twitter account.

These are unbeaten in twelve (since they sold Semenyo) and as ever with Bournemouth, if you don't match them for effort you'll get beat. 1-2

I think he's done an excellent job this season all things considered, but it doesn't stack up v Howe's achievements.

Iraola looks to have a lot of the same strengths and weaknesses as Howe.

Any evidence to back that up?

The rumours are from Caught Offside before anyone starts to worry.

There's just very little to suggest they're suddenly going to string results together. They've not won a league game since December and have won two home games all season.

There's a bit more to it than that like. You can think Howe isn't tge future without doing him a complete disservice.

They're in so much shit, I think they go.

Just can't see it, not at this point in his career anyway. One of his biggest complaints this season has been the lack of time on the training ground. He wouldn't get that at England.

That wasn't the point being made. In terms of stature and resources at their disposal though, it'd be a big step up.

When you look at some of the appointments "the big six" has made of late, Howe has far more pedigree. Even if you accept Liverpool is a stretch (personally I don't think it is), Man United, Chelsea and Spurs would likely all be interested.

The "all parties will make a decision at the end of the season" line is doing nothing to calm my relatively baseless thoughts that he might walk. If that is how it is end, it'd be cool if it was announced before the final home game so he gets the send-off he deserves.

I'm all for discussion the merits of whether Howe should stay on or not, but fuck me there's some absolutely lifting takes in here today.

Howe has done so much more than win a cup like.

I think Liverpool, Chelsea, Man Unitrd and Villa would all be interested. I think he'd likely take some time off before moving to another gig though.