I’ve managed to post very little on the subject of our manager search; the absence is probably bordering on conspicuous by now despite my distaste for diving into pure speculation. There’s nothing sinister about it though, the situation seems to be ever-changing, I’d be writing a half dozen posts a day if I attempted to cover every twist and turn.

For instance, I had barely finished writing one post that held Roberto Martinez at its heart before the Lactics manager withdrew himself from consideration. “Whoever ends up getting the job”, I said, “they’ll get a clean slate and total backing from me.” The spirit of the post – that we needed to support whoever is installed as manager – stood then, regardless. Or so I thought.

Never in million years did I think there would be any interest in Alex McLeish. And until last night I still felt that way, despite what was unfolding. Now? Well, it’s still a struggle to comprehend, but who could possibly say with any certitude?

Much of the confusion is attributable to the media circus that for one reason or another is having a field day in B6 while tumbleweed is blowing down Fulham Road. Roman Abramovich has reportedly made his up mind that he’s going to employ Guus Hiddink again; he’s got the money and the will, it’s only a matter of time. Nothing to see there then.

Contradictions

Our interest in Martinez was real, yet his approach to football is juxtaposed to the dour hoofball McLeish has had our closest neighbours playing over the past couple of years. (Birmingham City were ranked number one for frequency of resorting to the long ball last season and number three the season before).

We’re led to believe that Mr Lerner was turned off by Mark Hughes throwing in the towel at The Cottage, but McLeish’s email from his holiday home is somehow appealing? The catalyst for each manager throwing around their respective toys is possibly quite different.

We’re told that fan reaction to the prospect of Steve McLaren caused his interview to be cancelled, but left to assume that the inevitable reaction to McLeish -which can only be worse – can be withstood.

Some will tell you these contradictions are all part of an act; “smoke and mirrors” has become a popular phrase on the internet. Others will tell you it’s exactly how it appears; a sign of panic and desperation by the club.

Some journalists, true to form, have not just sharpened their knives, they’ve thrust them into our soft underbelly and are currently twisting the blades. Are their observations fair or are they merely sour about the lack of information and happy to fill the void with their own version of events? There will be some egg on some faces if it’s the latter.

If…

Watching panic and anger spreading among the fans online last night I was reminded of Rudyard Kipling’s classic poem ‘If’ and found myself making another video. Entirely in keeping with recent events, I hadn’t yet finished making the video when the landscape changed again; the much speculated interest in speaking to McLeish appeared to be real.

I couldn’t tell you right now who the best audience for the video is then; we the fans or Randy, Paul and whoever else is pulling the strings behind closed doors at Villa Park.

Either way, it might not help anyone else, but it helped me so, I give you the silky tones of Mr. Desmond Lynam reading Rudyard Kipling’s ‘If’…

[The picture used in this video was taken by Matt Bye]