Family first for Villa target Solskjaer

Molde manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has cited family concerns as the reason for withdrawing from contention for the Aston Villa job.

Former Manchester United striker Solskjaer was reportedly Villa owner Randy Lerner’s leading candidate to succeed Alex McLeish, who was sacked this month after the team narrowly avoided relegation from the English Premier League.

Solskjaer flew to England last week to hold informal talks with American Lerner, but the 39-year-old Norwegian decided not to relocate his family back to the UK.

“I had a very open and honest, and very nice, dialogue with Mr. Lerner and he really understood my decision on thinking about my family and staying where I am now,” Solskjaer said.

“I brought them (my family) home 18 months ago and it has never been an issue for us.

“When something like this (Villa) came up, we had to discuss it and he (Lerner) was really understanding.”

Solskjaer only moved back to his native Norway 18 months ago after spending two years as United reserve team boss and still has three years remaining on his contract at the Aker Stadion.

Molde earned a Champions League qualifying berth for next season after Solksjaer guided the club to the first league title of their 101-year history.