Aston Villa fans have been reacting on social media today to the news that novice manager Thierry Henry could be set to take over the reins at the club from Steve Bruce.
The report in the Express suggests that the Frenchman has verbally agreed to take over at Villa Park, with current incumbent Bruce set to leave imminently.
Villa missed out on promotion to the Premier League last season as they were defeated by Fulham in the Play Off final. The club’s owners reportedly have doubts over whether Bruce can guide them back to the top flight, and as a result have decided to make a change.
Henry has no senior management experience, but did serve on Roberto Martinez’s staff as Belgium secured a third place finish at this summer’s World Cup.
The news has not pleased all Villa fans, however, with a selection of tweets below demonstrating their antipathy.
If the new owners are “football people” like they say and rumours are to be believed then replacing Steve Bruce with Thierry Henry is a joke and they’re clearly not “football people” #astonvilla #thierryhenry #stevebruce
— Ian Oliver (@ianoliver1979) July 24, 2018
I am not slating Henry, he was a great player but that doesn't make him a great manager. I feel this decision could possibly cost Aston Villa in the future. Steve Bruce was 90 mins away from taking us up to the BPL. This is just my opinion and probably some fans
— VillaTillWeDie (@VillaTill_WeDie) July 24, 2018
https://twitter.com/sammyvilla7/status/1021690006342180864
Lampard @ derby, Stevie G @ rangers. Both welcomed with open arms. No Experience. Henry assistant manager for a World Cup semi final team, but no we would rather stick to the same no ambition footy that Bruce has brought. Oh and what experience has Terry had, none.why not Henry.
— james deans (@skippyjackson) July 24, 2018
https://twitter.com/MillerAvfc/status/1021704555698970625
https://twitter.com/mattsauly/status/1021703368983633920
As Villa fans we seem to be afraid of taking a risk in case it doesn’t work it’s always doom and gloom! Any managerial appointment is a risk at any club in any league!! How about we embrace Henry if he does indeed come in & be a bit more positive for a change #avfc
— Mike Land (@Mike_Land10) July 24, 2018
Also, we are a terrible club for Thierry Henry to start a managerial career at. Our fans will boo him out by Christmas. #noPatience #loveAmoan #avfc
— Javo_AVFC (@Javo_AV) July 24, 2018
OPINION
The consensus seems to be that this will be too much too soon for Henry, although there are Villa fans speaking in defence of the move. Obviously it’s a risk, but if the owners have lost faith in Bruce then it’s better they make the change now rather than midway through the season. Henry has very limited coaching experience, but neither did Gerrard and both have had more than Lampard. The Frenchman may soon find himself out of his depth or he might flourish, only time will tell. However the decision does seem awfully harsh on Bruce who’s had a horrific year personally and was 90 minutes away from guiding Villa back into the top flight. In addition, the current Villa boss’s record in the second tier is one of the best around; dumping him may come back to haunt the Villans. One thing’s for certain: it’s going to be interesting in the Championship this season.