O'Leary leaves Aston Villa
David O'Leary has left our local Midlands team Aston Villa following a statement by senior players published last Friday criticising the chariman, which he had some part in organising.
In my opinion, the exit of O'Leary is great for Villa and all of its fans. He is a man who only ever created excuses for the team's poor performances (not enough money, young team, threadbare squad – the list goes on.)
as a kid i supported Aston Villa until they sold all my favourite players – Dwight Yorke, Gareth Southgate and Ugo Ehiogu to name but a few, but i still took an interest in the club. I never thought O'Leary was the right man for Villa. Some of his lavish acquisitions such as Martin Laurson (plagued with injuries), Milan Baros (misfiring) and Eric Djemba–Djemba (just crap) prove he is nothing but a chequebook manager, and he has hardly inspired the team in his 3 years in charge as the club dropped to its lowest finish and points total in the Premiership era.
Many have criticised Doug Ellis throughout his time as chairman, but the club are financially sound, with their own (magnificent) ground, and a strong fanbase. However one feels the club can only truly progress once he goes.
I have always regarded Villa as sleeping giants and i hope that with a new manager and a new chairman to (eventually) come, then things can be turned around, and the glory days can return to Villa Park.
Martin O'Neil would be a dream appointment as the next manager and would prove something of a coup as many top clubs seem to be drooling over the thought of him in charge.
However even someone like Brian Little, who has thrown his name into the hat or youth team coach and Villa legend Gordan Cowans could be a good bet to revive the clubs fortunes.
I would not want one man in charge of Villa – Sven Goran Eriksson. He is one who would continue the rot which O'Leary seems to have started. Another chequebook manager, i only see Sven spending even more of Villa's money, as Sven has said he will only go to a club in European competition, with good established players, and money to strengthen the squad.
This started out as a rant at O'Leary (the money–grabber), yet the Villa job will be a tough task, but a challenge which the right manager will be able to sort out.
21 Jul 2006 19:04
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Tags: Football Villa
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Yeah, O'Leary had one fairly decent season and two pretty poor ones. Baros was such an odd signing for £6.5m.
Rob, have you seen we are trying to sign McShane. Do you reckon he could do a job for us?
28 Jul 2006, 10:23
McShane could definately do a job for the Tractor Boys. He was probably our best player last season (although that isn't saying much). He is an outstanding talent – good in the air and a good tackler. Easily Championship class. I'm think he wants to make it at Old Trafford but Sir Alex doesn't rate him. Would be good value at about 200 grand.
Going back to Villa, I'm encouraged that both Michael Neville and Randy Learner (what a name) both seem to be lining up Martin O'Niel as the next Villa manager if their consortiums take over. I'm concerned that the consortium led by Sven's agent Athole Still think that Svennis himself would be the right man for the job…
28 Jul 2006, 14:20
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