Victory in Bolton

We got through. Of course we did. Well done lads.

That’s with due deference and respect to Bolton - who took the game to Villa before tiring - and which is more than that particular club probably deserves after the treatment they have dished out to Villa in the past.

Indeed to name but one instance, few who were present at the Reebok that day will ever forget their behaviour to Peter Crouch back in the early 2000s.

But back to tonight’s game and two things stand out:

Firstly the magnificent, self deprecating, passionate and amusing Villa support who made up 25% of the gate on a weekday in Bolton amidst a period where feel good factor is in short supply.

Secondly, the youth, the future of Villa being reduced to 6’ and 8’ cameos.

If ever there was a poster for why both the fans, and the academy deserve more than they are currently getting from Gerrard this was it.

We mentioned previously that Gerrard was now fully immersed in self-preservation mode. His line up was even more conservative than we had predicted. It won through. It saved his head for another day. But it also failed to provide any sort of progression for the squad. We are now being run on a short term basis to save the skin, and face of two individuals in Gerrard and Purslow.

But a win is a win and boy did we all need one.

Now back to the serious business. West Ham at Villa Park. And the final eight days of the transfer window.