Following Joe Mercer’s illness and form induced departure, Villa take an almighty gamble installing a managerial novice from their staff as Villa boss. Given his background, Dick Taylor would need to not just be a totally unexpected appointment, but also a truly inspired one. Taylor’s first game didn’t suggest those hopes were realistic however as Villa lost for the fourth consecutive game and now have just four wins in the last twenty seven matches after a torrid final twelve months under Mercer.