Oh, Hello Randy...where have you been?

For a club usually so tight-lipped and cloak and dagger, Aston Villa have really been in the news over the last few days. 

Firstly, we had the statement from CEO Paul Faulkner requesting that the fans 'pull together' and 'channel our energies into creating a positive atmosphere'. Followed by yesterday's dramatic news that the Assistant Manager (Ian Culverhouse) and Head of Football Operations (Gary Karsa) had been suspended, pending an internal investigation. Simultaneously, it was announced that Gordon Cowans and Shay Given were 'temporarily promoted' to Paul Lambert's coaching team along with Scott Marshall being given additional responsibilities. Now, marginally more surprising than Shay Given's transition from 'bomb-squad' to motivator, the highly criticised Chairman, Randy Lerner, has added to the drama. Lerner via Doogan

Interestingly, the Villa Chairman has chosen to be heard via an article on the official website (see link above) and through Brian Doogan (the Head of Media at Villa Park). Quite why he has chosen this way to communicate is unclear, but it does slightly detract from the fact he has decided to speak to the fans for the first time in far too long. It will also, almost certainly, leave himself open to further criticism from some quarters. Having said that, he has broken his silence. A silence that goes back a long way. A silence that has convinced many, Villa fans and media types alike, that his heart just isn't in it anymore and neither is his money. Perhaps understandably so. 

It will be very easy for Villa fans to remain cynical, as the article itself is very woolly. It begins by acknowledging that he 'could not ask for more' from Cowans and Given, a strange statement that could be interpreted in different ways. They are both paid employees of the club, why would they hesitate to answer Paul Lambert's call? Given himself would have good reason, having been frozen out of the first team and shipped out on loan but Cowans? If, unsubstantiated, rumours are to be believed, one of Culverhouse's indiscretions was a confrontation with the Villa legend. A confrontation that, once again, rumours suggest led to Lambert siding with his Development Coach. Gordon Cowans was previously a First Team coach during Alex McLeish's ill-fated spell in charge perhaps that role left him feeling as though he preferred to work in the background, away from the limelight. The truth is, we can only speculate. 

The article continues to quote Randy Lerner as he gives his backing to Paul Lambert. Again, this can be interpreted in different ways. Lerner explains that he has seen the manager approach the situation with 'total loyalty and commitment' having experienced 'unexpected issues that could have easily set the club back'. He would have a hard time convincing many fans that Lambert's actions haven't already set the club back, in fact, he is ultimately responsible for the decision to employ Culverhouse and Karsa in the first place. He must bear some of the blame for the fiasco surrounding their suspension. However, without full details of the misdemeanours committed by his coaches we do not know the extent to which he may feel betrayed by them. Some may feel that he is a coward for allowing his Lieutenants to be suspended without falling on his own sword, but, once more, we do not know exactly what the suspended employees have done. 

A final point on this statement, is perhaps what it doesn't say. It applauds Lambert for many things, despite the utterings of many a journalist, there is no serious backing for the manager. This was also noticeably absent in Paul Faulkner's statement on Monday. Either Lerner and Faulkner are aware that votes of confidence are more often referred to as 'dreaded' as opposed to 'reassuring' or more likely, they are aware that this is not what the fans want to hear. Lambert's job should still be under serious scrutiny, questions still need to be answered and Lambert should face a very probing process of evaluation, to identify exactly why the progression at Aston Villa has ground to a halt. 

Villa fans: What do you think about this statement? 

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