the worry there would be

If we 'were' that close how did it collapse between 5pm on Saturday, and Sunday when Smith became available and Webber tells us he became first choice?

Why do we appear to have only then interviewed Smith and Lampard (who then backed out)

Being generous, I think the 'mistake' may have been Webber assuming we'd be an attractive target and for our short list to all be desperate to jump the second the job was available.

But they either weren't and we panicked and took Smith as the 'best' [only] available option, or they were happy to join but we sacked them off the second Smith became available. Hmmm.

I'm sure Smith will look back on his career and wonder if he ought to have taken some time out to recharge and reflect on why Villa didn't work out and what he needed to do differently as a manager. Problem for us is that he is now figuring that out on our time.

Posted By: CWC, May 9, 08:44:33