As I talked about in my article on Monday Martin O’Neill has quit his job as Aston Villa boss.
O’Neill didn’t reveal the reason for quitting his post but Villa chairman Randy Lerner has come out with the truth today.
Statement
Lerner released a statement which read: “Having had some time to reflect on Martin leaving, I can say that our most immediate focus is supporting (caretaker boss) Kevin MacDonald and resolving the situation with Man City and James Milner.
“As for explaining why Martin left, I can say only that we no longer shared a common view as how to move forward”
The statement showed that the American didn’t share O’Neill’s ambitions of success for the club. It seemed quite clear to me before this statement but he has just confirmed that he wasn’t prepared to give O’Neill his financial backing anymore.
The next manager in the Villa Park hot seat will have to manage on a tight budget. However the imminent sale of England midfielder James Milner to Manchester City could raise some funds for the new boss.
Candidates
Even with budget restraints I’m sure there won’t be any shortage of takers for the position. The usual suspects will be linked with the job. Some are more likely than others. Here is a rundown of the current names being linked with the position:
Sven-Goran Eriksson
The former-England boss is currently favourite with the bookies to be the next Villa boss. The Swede is unemployed after an unsuccessful spell as Ivory Coast coach at the World Cup. He has been out of club management for awhile and his last club post was that of Director of Football at League Two Notts County.
Bob Bradley
Bradley also went to the World Cup with the USA. His tournament was far more successful than Sven’s though as his side made it into the World Cup quarter-finals. The States showed some superb team spirit and apparently it’s down to Bradley’s style of management.
The USA coach was a prodigy of former-USA soccer coaching legend Bruce Arena. The 52 year-old has no experience of coaching outside of the States and his appointment could be seen as a gamble. It would be a fantastic opportunity for Bradley to test and prove himself though.
Gareth Southgate
The former-Villa captain is currently out of work after being sacked by Middlesbrough early last season. He has since been working in the media but has admitted that he would like to get back into the game.
He would prove a cheaper option than Eriksson but his appointment wouldn’t inspire confidence amongst the Villa faithful. His career as Boro boss wasn’t exactly brilliant either and he has less than three years experience of managing a football club.
Martin Jol
The former-Tottenham boss is believed to have already turned down an approach from Fulham for his services but Villa is a different prospect. Villa is a far bigger club than the Cottagers and it seems the Dutch boss could be persuaded to leave his position with Ajax.
I believe it would be a good move by the Villa board to get Jol in. Although I think it’s currently in Jol’s best interests to stay in Amsterdam and maybe challenge for a league title, instead of challenging for a top half finish with Villa in the Premier League.
David Moyes (Ha-ha!)
The Everton boss has been ridiculously linked with the position. He has come out in the press and committed himself to the Toffee’s. I don’t know what possesses the newspapers to write such rubbish!
Challenge
Whoever takes the job knows it’s going to be a challenge. They will have to sell before they can buy. They also know that the chairman’s interest in the club could be waning with the fact he’s not prepared to invest anymore money in the club. The challenge is a big one but I’m sure plenty of bosses will be willing to face that challenge head on.
Who will be the next Villa boss?
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