Very interesting news emanating from the corridors of power at Villa Park this afternoon. The news that Ian Culverhouse (Assistant Manager) and Gary Karsa (Head of Football Operations) have been suspended from their roles at the football club.
The club haven't elaborated much on this topic and knowing the club as we do, it remains to be seen whether we will find out exactly what has happened. Pete Colley, on Sky Sports, has reported that this is a result of a number of incidents over a period of time. In the last few days, we have been hearing talk of players and coaches 'falling out', so it appears we shouldn't be too surprised by this news. Culverhouse is seen as the main man behind training with Paul Lambert, having held the same role during Lambert's time at Norwich City, so is clearly an important cog in the machine. It also took a lot to eventually obtain Karsa from the Canaries as the Villa Head of Football Operations, suggesting Lambert also regarded him very highly.
Interestingly, seemingly as a sweetener, a club statement initially confirmed that Gordon Cowans aka 'Sid' and Shay Given had been 'temporarily promoted' to Paul Lambert's coaching team. It was only at the end of this statement that the suspensions of the aforementioned coaching staff was announced. Everybody associated with Villa, fans especially, knows what Sid is about. He is a Villa legend and his appointment will undoubtedly please many of the clubs faithful fans. He knows the club inside out, which begs the question should he have been in this position before now? The clubs fans will certainly look forward to seeing him on the bench on Saturday, hopefully giving them and the players a boost (and, in terms of the players, a well deserved kick up the backside).
Further to this, it is being reported that Lambert was involved in the process that has seen his trusty henchman suspended. Another fascinating twist. Many may have assumed this was a precursor to the Glaswegian losing his own job and whilst that may still be the case, it may also appear to be a cynical attempt at keeping the fans onside, who knows? For the time being though, we should be grateful that some action has been taken.
In regards to Shay Given's promotion, it is surprising to say the least. Infamously, part of Lambert's 'bomb-squad', Given's future at Villa has looked bleak. He has been sent out on loan and reportedly made to train with the youngsters, whilst continuing to pick up a hefty wage packet. Throughout his career, however, Shay Given has been a popular member of any dressing room. He has a great deal of experience and has been spoken about in very positive terms by the manager (although this could be seen as an attempt to promote his availability for transfer). Perhaps Given will also be able to have a positive effect on some of the players, passing on his experience and perhaps building further bridges between players and management.
Whatever the reasons behind today's announcements and however sceptical Villa fans will inevitably be. One thing they should all agree on is that, in the short term, this should create a galvanising effect on football matters around Villa Park. It doesn't, by any stretch of the imagination, solve the major issues surrounding the club but it is, undoubtedly, a step in the right direction.
The club haven't elaborated much on this topic and knowing the club as we do, it remains to be seen whether we will find out exactly what has happened. Pete Colley, on Sky Sports, has reported that this is a result of a number of incidents over a period of time. In the last few days, we have been hearing talk of players and coaches 'falling out', so it appears we shouldn't be too surprised by this news. Culverhouse is seen as the main man behind training with Paul Lambert, having held the same role during Lambert's time at Norwich City, so is clearly an important cog in the machine. It also took a lot to eventually obtain Karsa from the Canaries as the Villa Head of Football Operations, suggesting Lambert also regarded him very highly.
Interestingly, seemingly as a sweetener, a club statement initially confirmed that Gordon Cowans aka 'Sid' and Shay Given had been 'temporarily promoted' to Paul Lambert's coaching team. It was only at the end of this statement that the suspensions of the aforementioned coaching staff was announced. Everybody associated with Villa, fans especially, knows what Sid is about. He is a Villa legend and his appointment will undoubtedly please many of the clubs faithful fans. He knows the club inside out, which begs the question should he have been in this position before now? The clubs fans will certainly look forward to seeing him on the bench on Saturday, hopefully giving them and the players a boost (and, in terms of the players, a well deserved kick up the backside).
Further to this, it is being reported that Lambert was involved in the process that has seen his trusty henchman suspended. Another fascinating twist. Many may have assumed this was a precursor to the Glaswegian losing his own job and whilst that may still be the case, it may also appear to be a cynical attempt at keeping the fans onside, who knows? For the time being though, we should be grateful that some action has been taken.
In regards to Shay Given's promotion, it is surprising to say the least. Infamously, part of Lambert's 'bomb-squad', Given's future at Villa has looked bleak. He has been sent out on loan and reportedly made to train with the youngsters, whilst continuing to pick up a hefty wage packet. Throughout his career, however, Shay Given has been a popular member of any dressing room. He has a great deal of experience and has been spoken about in very positive terms by the manager (although this could be seen as an attempt to promote his availability for transfer). Perhaps Given will also be able to have a positive effect on some of the players, passing on his experience and perhaps building further bridges between players and management.
Whatever the reasons behind today's announcements and however sceptical Villa fans will inevitably be. One thing they should all agree on is that, in the short term, this should create a galvanising effect on football matters around Villa Park. It doesn't, by any stretch of the imagination, solve the major issues surrounding the club but it is, undoubtedly, a step in the right direction.
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