The phrase 'hiding to nothing' springs to mind. A nonsensical appointment following hot on the heels of the Houllier folly. Not just taking a manager from the neighbours but one who had just masterminded a relegation and who played the most dour, utterly non Villa football, imaginable. That it didn't end well is no surprise. That the signings - far better than in recent and subsequent seasons - suffered such misfortune during the campaign just made matters worse. But McLeish couldn't be blamed for taking his big opportunity, he and Villla just should have known better.