spyinthesky Posted 3 January, 2017 Share Posted 3 January, 2017 Earlier in the season a poster on here (perhaps with more foresight than most) suggested a parallel with us appointing Puel, with Eric Black as No 2, to Villa's appointment of Remi Garde last season, with Eric Black as his assistant. It could be that we are heading the same way this season with the French Manager (with limited English)/Black combination. Remi Garde always came over as being like a rabbit caught in the headlights and Puel increasingly comes across the same way. Eric Black was not well thought of by many fans at Villa Park and I wonder if history is about to repeat itself. I do hope not but these are worrying times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monk Posted 3 January, 2017 Share Posted 3 January, 2017 Eric Black isn't well thought of in football full stop (as a coach not as a man). I was pretty vocal when we appointed him and I still am now, he isn't good enough. He is a yes man to Puel, a typical drill sergeant coach that delivers generic sessions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greenridge Posted 3 January, 2017 Share Posted 3 January, 2017 Eric Black isn't well thought of in football full stop (as a coach not as a man). I was pretty vocal when we appointed him and I still am now, he isn't good enough. He is a yes man to Puel, a typical drill sergeant coach that delivers generic sessions. I recall he was introduced as Puel's choice at the time. Was that really the case or was he appointed by the club? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AR-10 Posted 3 January, 2017 Share Posted 3 January, 2017 Eric Black isn't well thought of in football full stop (as a coach not as a man). This is true. What I don't want to do is start pointing fingers re: who appointed Black. I don't know this for fact , so the following is just a hunch, but the way Black came into the club was both very late and very strange. My personal viewpoint based on what I know was that Puel and Black arrived at the club in very different ways, I don't mean logistically, I mean the way they came here was different. So this is what I think happened: - Black got wind Puel was appointed. - Black called the powers that be and said something like: "I know Puel, I'm essentially out of work, I speak French, I can help." The club **probably** put that to Puel and Puel said "sure, why not". You could call that a Puel appointment but I don't think it was anything close (or the same as) Puel HIMSELF stipulating he wanted Black as part of his Backroom setup as contract terms of Claude agreeing to come in, I just don't buy that. I really don't think that's the case, based on what I know of how Black arrived. Claude came in with Plancque before Black. Eric Black was and is a big big gamble, I'm not pointing fingers because I'm just guessing with this...but it's an educated guess. True Rotation is down to Puel ultimately and Tactics are down to Puel in part. You look at the way Villa set up last season and you look at how we've looked the last handful of games this season, it's alarmingly similar and I don't think that's entirely down to Puel. All that being said, here's what's on the website about both appointments: https://southamptonfc.com/news/2016-07-08/puel-black-and-plancque-are-important-additions ^ I'd take that webpage with a bagful of salt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
notnowcato Posted 3 January, 2017 Share Posted 3 January, 2017 And I think that is where the comparison with Villa ends. Our board, the owner, the squad and the youth set up is at a much higher level to that of Villas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patrick Bateman Posted 3 January, 2017 Share Posted 3 January, 2017 Must admit, he's (Black) the one new addition that I've had iffy feelings about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperSAINT Posted 3 January, 2017 Share Posted 3 January, 2017 Surely Claude would know if he puts on good sessions or not? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supersubpuckett Posted 3 January, 2017 Share Posted 3 January, 2017 hmmmmm, I wonder if there's another french manager we could compare clod to....someone who, perhaps, has had a bit more success..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unbelievable Jeff Posted 3 January, 2017 Share Posted 3 January, 2017 Must admit, he's (Black) the one new addition that I've had iffy feelings about. Me too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graffito Posted 3 January, 2017 Share Posted 3 January, 2017 There is no comparison with Villa. Contrast yes. Comparison no. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKD Posted 3 January, 2017 Share Posted 3 January, 2017 This is true. What I don't want to do is start pointing fingers re: who appointed Black. I don't know this for fact , so the following is just a hunch, but the way Black came into the club was both very late and very strange. My personal viewpoint based on what I know was that Puel and Black arrived at the club in very different ways, I don't mean logistically, I mean the way they came here was different. So this is what I think happened: - Black got wind Puel was appointed. - Black called the powers that be and said something like: "I know Puel, I'm essentially out of work, I speak French, I can help." The club **probably** put that to Puel and Puel said "sure, why not". You could call that a Puel appointment but I don't think it was anything close (or the same as) Puel HIMSELF stipulating he wanted Black as part of his Backroom setup as contract terms of Claude agreeing to come in, I just don't buy that. I really don't think that's the case, based on what I know of how Black arrived. Claude came in with Plancque before Black. Eric Black was and is a big big gamble, I'm not pointing fingers because I'm just guessing with this...but it's an educated guess. True Rotation is down to Puel ultimately and Tactics are down to Puel in part. You look at the way Villa set up last season and you look at how we've looked the last handful of games this season, it's alarmingly similar and I don't think that's entirely down to Puel. All that being said, here's what's on the website about both appointments: https://southamptonfc.com/news/2016-07-08/puel-black-and-plancque-are-important-additions ^ I'd take that webpage with a bagful of salt. That would make sense as we originally intended to keep Sammy Lee and then surprisingly terminated his contract. Out of interest, would you expect the club to get rid of black before Puel? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nordic Saint Posted 3 January, 2017 Share Posted 3 January, 2017 These Tweets by Villa fans back in June were quite prophetic, as if Puel is sacked during the season, he probably will take over as caretaker manager until the end of the season: Andy Reilly @andysays78 Eric Black the new assistant manager of Southampton? Stick your money on them tanking and him stepping in come February. 11:03 AM - 30 Jun 2016 Reece @Reece_AV Eric Black has been present at numerous clubs during relegation - surely he can't carry it on at Southampton? #AVFC #SFC 10:22 AM - 30 Jun 2016 from Birmingham, England Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wade Garrett Posted 3 January, 2017 Share Posted 3 January, 2017 He puts the cones out for training and gives out the bibs. Team selection and tactics are down to Puel. If he listens to Black, then that's down to him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batman Posted 3 January, 2017 Share Posted 3 January, 2017 He puts the cones out for training and gives out the bibs. Team selection and tactics are down to Puel. If he listens to Black, then that's down to him. I reckon they do more than that Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DuncanRG Posted 3 January, 2017 Share Posted 3 January, 2017 A lazy, stupid comparison based on nationality. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batman Posted 3 January, 2017 Share Posted 3 January, 2017 A lazy, stupid comparison based on nationality. that, both managed Lyon for a few years (Garde won trophies there, where as Puel did so at Monaco) and never outside of France before coming to England Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fabrice29 Posted 3 January, 2017 Share Posted 3 January, 2017 Where in the league were Villa this time last season? If we're comparing ourselves to Villa might as well do it properly. The board, Reed etc want success so if Black is an issue it will be dealt with. We're 10th in the league and have lost a few games in a row. We've played poorly at times, personally I'll put it down to a lack of a striker which can be resolved this month. Shows you how good we've had it and how far we've come that a few games defeat and people are in meltdown and think somethings wrong. Its a little bit of bad form. Get over yourselves you pathetic bunch of wet wipes. If we don't address the striker issue in January at least, then I think we can start criticising. If we do and it still isn't good enough then I think we can start criticising. Until then grow the **** up and appreciate where we are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miltonaggro Posted 3 January, 2017 Share Posted 3 January, 2017 Looks like Black is being lined up as a patsy for the current debacle, the Lee Harvey Oswald of Ocean Village :-) #itshappening Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disco Stu Posted 3 January, 2017 Share Posted 3 January, 2017 (edited) This is true. What I don't want to do is start pointing fingers re: who appointed Black. I don't know this for fact , so the following is just a hunch, but the way Black came into the club was both very late and very strange. My personal viewpoint based on what I know was that Puel and Black arrived at the club in very different ways, I don't mean logistically, I mean the way they came here was different. So this is what I think happened: - Black got wind Puel was appointed. - Black called the powers that be and said something like: "I know Puel, I'm essentially out of work, I speak French, I can help." The club **probably** put that to Puel and Puel said "sure, why not". You could call that a Puel appointment but I don't think it was anything close (or the same as) Puel HIMSELF stipulating he wanted Black as part of his Backroom setup as contract terms of Claude agreeing to come in, I just don't buy that. I really don't think that's the case, based on what I know of how Black arrived. Claude came in with Plancque before Black. Eric Black was and is a big big gamble, I'm not pointing fingers because I'm just guessing with this...but it's an educated guess. True Rotation is down to Puel ultimately and Tactics are down to Puel in part. You look at the way Villa set up last season and you look at how we've looked the last handful of games this season, it's alarmingly similar and I don't think that's entirely down to Puel. All that being said, here's what's on the website about both appointments: https://southamptonfc.com/news/2016-07-08/puel-black-and-plancque-are-important-additions ^ I'd take that webpage with a bagful of salt. Puel has known Black on a personal level for many years so I'm sure he would have had more input than that. In fact, I remember an interview from one of Puel or Black saying they had a conversation back when they were both working in France that if Puel ever came to manage in England, he would love to work with Black. Here it is. Roughly 30 seconds in: "I'd played against Claude quite a few times when I was playing in France, and we had a mutual friend, so we had met up a couple of times in France, and he's always sort of discussed if the opportunity arose would I come and assist him if he ever came to England? “About six or seven weeks ago, the call came to say 'Would I be interested?' and at that point I came down to meet Les [Reed] and that was a kind of semi-interview, discussion-type scenario, and they offered Claude and then me the job.” Edited 3 January, 2017 by Disco Stu Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greenridge Posted 3 January, 2017 Share Posted 3 January, 2017 Puel has known Black on a personal level for many years so I'm sure he would have had more input than that. In fact, I remember an interview from one of Puel or Black saying they had a conversation back when they were both working in France that if Puel ever came to manage in England, he would love to work with Black. Do you have a link to the interview? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disco Stu Posted 3 January, 2017 Share Posted 3 January, 2017 Just found it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badgerx16 Posted 3 January, 2017 Share Posted 3 January, 2017 Looks like Black is being lined up as a patsy for the current debacle, the Lee Harvey Oswald of Ocean Village :-) Who's behind the grassy knoll ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adrian lord Posted 3 January, 2017 Share Posted 3 January, 2017 Who's behind the grassy knoll ? If I were Black, I'd be worried about who will be the Jack Ruby. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miltonaggro Posted 3 January, 2017 Share Posted 3 January, 2017 Who's behind the grassy knoll ? Les Edgar Hoover! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pamplemousse Posted 3 January, 2017 Share Posted 3 January, 2017 The links to Aston Villa are beyond stupid. They were in a relegation battle. We are not Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USA SaintsFan Posted 3 January, 2017 Share Posted 3 January, 2017 I am not happy about the current situation, but you do realize we already have six more points this year than villa got all of last.. Hardly an even comparison... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Saints Posted 3 January, 2017 Share Posted 3 January, 2017 Saints and Villa have both employed Eric Black Saints and Villa have both emplyed French managers Saints and Villa are both football clubs I think there might be something in this Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 3 January, 2017 Share Posted 3 January, 2017 Saints and Villa both feature on Steven Davis's CV. ooooh errr.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint IQ Posted 3 January, 2017 Share Posted 3 January, 2017 Comparisons with Villa, Really!? I think we have more than 11 players that would of started for them last season and done a better job. Jesus what a lame rubbish comparison. French manager and Erik Black, That's it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eelpie Posted 3 January, 2017 Share Posted 3 January, 2017 And I think that is where the comparison with Villa ends. Our board, the owner, the squad and the youth set up is at a much higher level to that of Villas. Then why did they replace proven goalscorers by gambling with Redmond? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 3 January, 2017 Share Posted 3 January, 2017 Not sure why Redmond keeps being hung out as the scapegoat here. He's a good player and has bags of potential, not even worth writing him off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monk Posted 4 January, 2017 Share Posted 4 January, 2017 Surely Claude would know if he puts on good sessions or not? Not always the case. I've watched Harry Redknapp deliver.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AR-10 Posted 4 January, 2017 Share Posted 4 January, 2017 "I'd played against Claude quite a few times when I was playing in France, and we had a mutual friend, so we had met up a couple of times in France, and he's always sort of discussed if the opportunity arose would I come and assist him if he ever came to England? “About six or seven weeks ago, the call came to say 'Would I be interested?' and at that point I came down to meet Les [Reed] and that was a kind of semi-interview, discussion-type scenario, and they offered Claude and then me the job.” I've never entirely bought that interview. Whoever that "Middle man" was that made it happen needs slapping with a dead fish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disco Stu Posted 4 January, 2017 Share Posted 4 January, 2017 Why? It would be an odd thing for him to make up in his first interview. Anyway, I'm certain Puel actively wanted Eric Black. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Duckhunter Posted 4 January, 2017 Share Posted 4 January, 2017 Why? It would be an odd thing for him to make up in his first interview. Anyway, I'm certain Puel actively wanted Eric Black. Course he did . Someone he's friendly with & gets on with who speaks French & has knowledge of English game. It's a no brainier. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nordic Saint Posted 4 January, 2017 Share Posted 4 January, 2017 "Claude clearly came out on top of a very impressive shortlist. We have not only got the best man, but the right coaching team to support him. Eric Black has an excellent pedigree as a coach and vast experience domestically and internationally." Les Reed 2016 "I believe as a group we probably have a choice from the best pool of midfield options in the Premier League." Les Reed 2016 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now