Aston Villa (9/1 to finish in the Premier League top four) have announced they are looking to appoint a new manager in the near future, but it will be someone with proven Premier League experience.
Kevin MacDonald has been in caretaker charge since Martin O’Neill resigned five days before the start of this season, and his time in charge has been up-and-down.
An opening day win over West Ham was then followed by a 6-0 thumping at Newcastle and Villa’s elimination from Europe at the hands of Rapid Vienna.
The Villans managed a 1-0 win over Everton on Sunday thanks to a Luke Young goal, and it was expected a new manager would be in place by the time they face Stoke City (1/7 to be relegated) in their next Premier League game.
Name such as Bob Bradley, Ronald Koeman and Jurgen Klinsman have all been linked with the managers position, but a statement from the club’s chief executive Paul Faulkner seems to rule them out of the running.
His claim that the new man should have managed in the Premier League before could also seem to suggest that MacDonald might not remain in the Villa hot seat for much longer – though the current caretaker has stated he would inform club owner Randy Lerner on Tuesday if he wants the job permanently or not.
Faulkner said the club have “immersed” themselves in the process have “clearly” identified “key criteria” the new boss must have.
“Two of the traits we believe are of crucial importance are that candidates have experience of managing in the Premier League and a strategy for building on the existing strengths in our current squad,” he added.
“We have thoroughly researched potential candidates and have reached out to a variety of contacts we have within the game for advice and guidance, as well as keeping key staff at Villa Park informed and focused.
“We will now start the process of interviewing candidates we believe meet the key criteria required to manage Aston Villa with a view to making an appointment in the near future. Kevin MacDonald will continue as caretaker manager until that time. ”
One thing MacDonald could have to do before he relinquishes the hot seat is attempt to hold on to Ashley Young.
He has already seen James Milner leave for Manchester City and now Tottenham Hotspur are reported to be ready to move for Young before the transfer window closes (City 8/13, Spurs 11/4 to finish in the Premier League top four).
The loss of two star players for Villa in the space of a few weeks would be a big blow to the club’s fans and create a headache for whoever is appointed permanent manager in the near future.
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