The replacement for MON...?

[ROBBO]

Man City have moved the goalposts once again, Looking at their bench one could make a case that in the interest of keeping a healthy Premiership clubs must be limited on how much they can spend. Randy would be in a quandry, he has probably doubled the Value of Villa but if he does not keep spending that value could fall dramatically. Milner to Barry......GOAL. makes me sick.

[BannedUserIAT]

The ramifications for just having an average season are huge though - and carry financial risk in their own way.

-Bye bye Ashley Young
-Continued decrease in gates/ revenue
-Higher cost to close the gap next summer- or even to compete for in and around 6th

This is one time when the steady/ safe option really won't cut it.

Have to agree with that unless there is an underlying trend of improvement e.g. blooding some young players that are really going to come on the following season.

You are right about losing our better players but when you think more about it, at the end of this season other than AY and GA who stands out at this point in time that you could say we would find it hard to replace them.

If the season does become a complete write-off - or rather, a transitional season - then the best hope we have is that the new manager has a vast knowledge of European quality that will convince our better players that we still have a bright future. Albeit one that's been postponed a season.

[mrshnn]

Felix magath does not seem to be happy at schalke,he has a impressive track record with wolfsburg etc,worth a look

[jonzy85]

Just out of interest, what constitutes an average season for us this year??

IMO 8th would be average, 6th would be an extremely good season.

[Irish villain]

Felix magath does not seem to be happy at schalke,he has a impressive track record with wolfsburg etc,worth a look

Felix Magath would be my number one choice. I mentioned him in my first post on this thread but he hasn't really featured in the speculation. Here's my choice in order of preference. My gut says it probably will be Sven though...

1. Magath
2. Jol
3. Eriksson
4. Pellegrini
5. Billic.

[TimTheVillain]

Birmingham Mail report Kevin Mac as favourite still

http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/aston-villa-fc/aston-villa-news/2010/08/24/aston-villa-kevin-macdonald-still-favourite-for-villa-job-ahead-of-interview-process-next-week-97319-27122909/

[nick harper]

Birmingham Mail report Kevin Mac as favourite still

http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/aston-villa-fc/aston-villa-news/2010/08/24/aston-villa-kevin-macdonald-still-favourite-for-villa-job-ahead-of-interview-process-next-week-97319-27122909/

I really don't want McDonald to get the job - his personality doesn't seem strong enough to me. He has his own doubts so how he is able to convince the board and the fans I really don't know.

We need good experience to see us through the coming months otherwise I fear we'll see ourselves in the wrong half of the league. Sunday exposed just how fragile the whole club is at the moment.

I want us to win our next two games but if we don't it may turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

[TimTheVillain]

I concur Nick.

I think he's a Villa man through and through (now) - but we are certainly in need of someone with a pedegree at this level of managment, and the days of promoting Coaches (a la TonyBarton's era) who go on the become top Managers are gone I think.

Pity Hughes took the Fulham job when he did.

Pity Jol's happy at Ajax or the fee to bring him in too high.

Pity Bradley has no experience at this level.

George Graham's still looking for a club with ambition, isn't he ? !

[Ads]

I think that giving MacDonald the post full time would be a serious blunder by the Lerner and would see us fall down to mid-table at best, with the likely repercussion of losing Young in the following summer window- ultimately it would signal the end of any attempt to challenge for a European spot of any kind. We’d be down with the dross like Fulham, Blackburn and their ilk.

[Concrete John]

Yet he may be the best man for getting the most out of the kids/reserves while we shed as much as possible from the wagebill and then go again in 2011/2012 with a manager renowned for overseas bargains?  As in give K-Mac a one year deal and use that time to clear the decks and build up a kitty for the new longterm manager?

[Rudy Can't Fail]

I'm expecting we'll start to hear a few rumours after tomorrow night's Champions League games.

[peter w]

I'm surprised that Bruce Rioch hasn't been mentioned. Is he the next Villa manager that never was?

[Toronto Villa]

I'm expecting we'll start to hear a few rumours after tomorrow night's Champions League games.

Yeah, good call Mark. You would expect clubs that didn't quite live the dream to want to cash in on certain players and even managers.

[dave.woodhall]

I'm surprised that Bruce Rioch hasn't been mentioned. Is he the next Villa manager that never was?

Signing Carlton Palmer and Steve Bull.

I think that maybe they're writing this season off as mid-table, and anything else is a bonus. Kev Mac is given the job and if he does okay, he stays. If he doesn't, next summer sees a new, big-name appointment with money to spend and no O'Neill hangover to contend with.

[peter w]

But heavy criticism from fans. You're right that they're hoping KMac can paper over the cracks but ultimately, in the long run, i think it would be the worse thing for him as in one years time he'll be replaced and will he want to stay witht he reserves? or even  be given the choice?