The short reign of Roberto Di Matteo

Well, that was brief!

Here’s what you need to know about RDM’s stint in charge of Villa.

The Roberto Di Matteo era by the numbers:

• Days in charge: 122 (shortest ever stint by a non-caretaker Aston Villa manager)
• Matches Managed: 12
• Record: 1-7-4
• Table Position: 19th (two points clear of relegation)

Three (and a half) reasons Roberto Di Matteo was sacked:

The Cup Loss. Not a great start. Villa were knocked out in the first round of EFL cup 3-1 by Luton Town. The loss was the canary in the coal mine -- and 2016/17 tunnel as appeared pretty poisonous.

The Subs. Half the time they didn't make sense -- the other half they time they seemed counter-intuitive. Some of the capitulations near the end of matches was because of poor substitutions -- other causes included: bad luck, poor communication, doomed mentality, and the make-up of the roster* -- we all know the rundown of the 85th, 86th, 87th, 88th and 89th minute goals.

The Final Straw. Saturday versus Preston was pathetic. The lineup was weak and showing no ability/willingness to learn from previous games. The team went down early and desperation sank in. 4-1-5 on the field at the start of the second half.... and still no goals (and not even many chances before I rage-quit at 82’). It just stank of one last throw of the dice from a manager who knew his days were numbered... and the players didn't fight for him

The Unknown: Many, many critics have pointed to the transfer dealings as a huge issue. So many strikers... so little midfield. I'm not inside the board room so can't tell you if that decision was made by RDM, Dr Tony, or someone else. It is was and will continue to be the largest problem with the roster.

Finally, here’s a word from Dr Tony --