Andy Townsend

[VinnieChase84]

The Sun (yes the Sun) are reporting that we want him to be our DOF.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/7053229/Aston-Villa-make-shock-move-to-land-Andy-Townsend-as-director-of-football.html

Problem with this article for me is that we have gone on record as not wanting a DOF but a HOF (not David).
I heard Andy on the radio last week and he does know Hollis so there may be something in this.
Anyway, I would welcome him back to the club in a capacity for sure.

[brian green]

Been on the grapevine for some time from better sources than the Sun so a distinct possibility.

[Clampy]

I heard this a few weeks back as well. An interesting choice if it comes off.

[Dante Lavelli]

What credentials does he have though?  This role needs knowledge of running academies, arranging scouting networks and an understanding of modern PT techniques.  I'm not sure where he would have knowledge of this, let alone experience.

[OzVilla]

He knows the game inside out don't worry about that.  Played at the highest level and understands the game and the club. If true I've no problems with this one at all. 

Makes you wonder and shake your head at why it's taken 9 years, the thick end of 300 million down the toilet and a relegation to finally get our act together.

[PaulTheVillan]

Captain under Brian Little. They obviously have a good understanding together. Let's hope it leads to the club getting back where we should be.

[Villafirst]

Good move if true to get another ex-player in who knows the club well. Ex-Captain as well with great leadership qualities.

[mr underhill]

can't argue with that; I like AT a lot. Doesn't he still take his kids to watch?

[brian green]

Very good in the media too.  SVC please note.

[maidstonevillain]

Can't see the point.  Surely it is a role Brian Little can fill, or one he is already doing.

[TheMalandro]

I remember being a bit doubtful when he signed, turned out to be another great Irish signing.

[Ron Manager]

I remember being a bit doubtful when he signed, turned out to be another great Irish signing.

from Maidstone!

[dave.woodhall]

Can't see the point.  Surely it is a role Brian Little can fill, or one he is already doing.

Little is a (possibly unpaid) advisor. Townsend would be full-time and in charge. He'd be a good call - I've always thought he'd make a good manager. He knows football, you never hear a bad word about him and he is/was a leader. He's the one player we've never replaced and he could give chapter and verse to Richards about captaincy.

[aj2k77]

It might be naive of me but I'm all for these former players and managers with Villa in their heart getting roles at the club. I want to believe that they are hurting as much as I am when we constantly break bad records, I want them to be one of us. I think between Andy and Brian there's enough knowledge and desire to get us moving in the right direction and get in players who will want to play for the club and help them understand what this club means to people.

[johnc]

Can't see the point.  Surely it is a role Brian Little can fill, or one he is already doing.

Little is a (possibly unpaid) advisor. Townsend would be full-time and in charge. He'd be a good call - I've always thought he'd make a good manager. He knows football, you never hear a bad word about him and he is/was a leader. He's the one player we've never replaced and he could give chapter and verse to Richards about captaincy.

He might have learned a bit from when he was in charge of the tactics truck