This article is a re-post and merge of my now defunct OurFootballBlog football writing blog from 2010 – 2011.
Massive, massive, massive, MASSIVE news in my opinion. Martin O’Neil leaves Aston Villa with immediate effect. I’m going to keep this short and sweet whilst I gather my thoughts, but firstly, what next?
The Man?
Well Martin will be fine, he’s one of the best and most respected managers in the Premier League and will not struggle for work – I guess however clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal must be kicking themselves this afternoon as his name would most certainly have been on very short shortlists as replacements for the footballing messiahs in those current positions and he’s gone a little soon for their liking. However – I don’t think we’ll see him in a job in England any time soon, mainly because I can’t see one that would interest him, perhaps Liverpool would have been an option but no longer. My bet is a year off football doing some television and jump back in for next season when someone moves along – City anyone?
The Club?
Villa have HUGE problems now I think, whatever sparked this decision, I think it’s certain that Milner will be leaving, but where does that leave Young and Agbonlahor? Perhaps a bid from Spurs for the former had been accepted? Either way there are few good managers to pick from now and I bet both the Villa board and Mark Hughes are kicking themselves that this didn’t happen a week or so ago. I see a bad season ahead for the club and I can see several key players going, this is a team that potentially will free fall now and if they get caught in an early relegation battle it might be very difficult to get out of after such devastating news for the players. I’m off to look at Skybet now for those odds!
And the humble opinion of my readers?
Hell yes this is your post today, I’m genuinely shocked so you guys will have to pick up the slack whilst I get it together! What next for Martin and for Villa? Share your thoughts and rumour!
