The James Milner saga reached an anticlimactic conclusion this week as the England midfielder completed a long-awaited move to Manchester City. It was a predictable—albeit disappointing—transaction, and brought Aston Villa fans back down to earth after the excitement of Saturday’s 3-0 thrashing of West Ham. So goes the emotional roller coaster at Villa Park this summer.
Still, there is reason to take heart. Considering what’s gone on at the club this month, the West Ham result was as refreshing as it was comprehensive. Kevin MacDonald can take some credit for that—perhaps a lot of credit.
The reserve coach-come-Martin O’Neill replacement drew up a very effective 4-2-3-1 formation, with John Carew at the fulcrum and Stewart Downing, Ashley Young and Marc Albrighton in support. MacDonald’s selection of Albrighton was particularly inspired, as the 20-year-old England Under-21 winger had a direct hand in two Villa goals.
Ciaran Clark was also handed a starting assignment and slotted in nicely alongside Richard Dunne. Like Albrighton, the 6-foot-2 centre-back was part of a Villa reserve side that won the Southern Championship in each of the past two seasons. MacDonald managed that side, and he seems intent on bringing some of those young players through to the senior ranks this term.
He should be given the chance. One of O’Neill’s failings was his reluctance to use the young players at his disposal. Albrighton barely got a sniff while O’Neill was in charge, and Clark made just a handful of appearances. Ditto Nathan Delfouneso and Fabian Delph.
Under MacDonald, all four can expect to see significantly enhanced playing time, and 19-year-old striker Andreas Weimann will get a few looks as well. This can only be good for the club, especially if they’re unable to spend money on new players.
www.twitter.com/peterssoccer
Comments
 |
Posted by Chris on 08/19/2010
Though disappointing to see Milner go, the deal was excellent with a direct replacement for him in the middle of the park. Of course, Ireland can't play on either wing like Milner though.
On one hand I say we should go after Ronald Koeman. He has an excellent pedigree, has had success as a manager and would certainly have more tactical nous than MON and his stubborness.
That said, I totally agree with Jerrad that McDonald should get the job primarily because 1) he has shown a willingness to play the youngsters which, funds or no funds, is an absolute must 2) he's a Villa man who has been there for some time. The players play for him and the management respect him and 3) tactically he seems to stronger than MON and willing to mix it up. I think he'll do a good job.
I do say again though, It's a shame MON didn't quit before Mark Hughes decided to take the Fulham job.
|
Posted by jef on 08/20/2010
1st of all,thanks city 4 stephen ireland+18mil pound,excellen deal&hope we can use it to get a good striker&sell heskey
i'd love to see macdonald to be manager and take charge for villa,he know the club inside out and there's no need for transition tat usually happen when new manager comes
i'd like to thank MON for the great job he has done and now its MACDONALD turn to take it further with the infusion of youth and rotation to keep the squad fresh towards the end of the season
WHERE THE HELL ALBRIGHTON HAS BEEN HIDING! this guy is amazing,i'm sure he will be a key player this season with more experience
our squad is good enough,just need a good striker to replace heskey
overall,the squad looks good provided we stay injury free and consistent.. hopefully we can finish top 4.. we certainly capable of beating any teams this season. but we really need to be consistent and win against smaller team,tats where a new striker cames in,heskey is a liability..
|
Posted by Zarch on 08/20/2010
Nice to finally read something a little more optimistic Mr Peters
Posted by shiv on 08/22/2010
6-0 to the magpies? im in shock and emotionally drained. someone please explain.
| |
Post your comment |
|
|
Kevin Hughes spent the best part of ten years working and writing for the football magazine Match; once (sort of) inspiring David Beckham to copy his shaved-hair look, getting lost in Paris after the 1998 France v Croatia World Cup semi-final and other such nonsense. As Deputy Editor, he launched and established Sport, the London-based free weekly magazine, before moving on to become a consumer magazine publisher, a position he holds today. Introduced to Villa by his father and grandfather, he attended his first ever match at Villa Park as a seven-year-old in 1982… and has suffered almost constant disappointment since. You can follow him on twitter @KevHughesie
RSS feed