The replacement for MON...?

[Toronto Villa]

which also contributed to the board going in this direction with the interview process etc. If ultimately we come out of this doing well, then we can only commend the board for being as thorough as possible given what was available. If it doesn't work, and I imagine they will give be as patient as possible, then it will be changed. We just need have an open mind about it if this indeed is the appointment and structure being established.

[Toronto Villa]

we are talking as if its definitely going to be Houllier on here at the moment,
 has there been any more evidence of his appointment or is he just the latest favourite

I think the article by Moxley is the most convincing yet. The others have just been links. You're right, this could all just be speculation, but there seems a little more substance this time.

[Pete3206]

For those who have posted last season that they wanted MON out - who on the rumoured shortlist of possible candidiates do you see as better than him?

Nobody.

Houllier? Sven? Jesus wept.

[Risso]

Exactly the point.

Had he left at the start of the summer, the list would have looked a bit different. Leaving when he did limited our options.

I'd say the apparent reluctance to "poach" somebody else's manager has been more of a limiting factor.  I have to say that without actually knowing who the boss will be yet, I'm very disappointed with the list of names so far.  I'm trying to talk myself into being excited by a Houllier/MacDonald partnership, but in truth it's really not what I expected to see 5 years in now that O'Neill has left.  All the jobless managers linked so far are out of work for a reason, and it just smacks of there not being any money left for either a decent manager or new players.

[Monty]

Exactly the point.

Had he left at the start of the summer, the list would have looked a bit different. Leaving when he did limited our options.

I'd say the apparent reluctance to "poach" somebody else's manager has been more of a limiting factor.  I have to say that without actually knowing who the boss will be yet, I'm very disappointed with the list of names so far.  I'm trying to talk myself into being excited by a Houllier/MacDonald partnership, but in truth it's really not what I expected to see 5 years in now that O'Neill has left.  All the jobless managers linked so far are out of work for a reason, and it just smacks of there not being any money left for either a decent manager or new players.

The most limiting factor is this 'Premier League experience' stuff. This is how you rule yourself out for candidates like Klinsmann and end up with Curbishley being interviewed. I agree with every other part of the process the board have taken, but that was a mistake.

[TimTheVillain]

Sadly, I fear this is the time we take a reality check.

Randy appears to be spent out and MON walked out for taht very reason - the timing of which will make him an unliked man at VP forever I would imagine.

This could well be a season of miscontent.

[Irreverent ad]

Sadly, I fear this is the time we take a reality check.

Randy appears to be spent out and MON walked out for taht very reason - the timing of which will make him an unliked man at VP forever I would imagine.

This could well be a season of miscontent.

Ah that famous season of miscontent....

[Can Gana Be Bettered!?!?]

Houllier would be fine as far as I'm concerned. Someone who would encourage us to play to feet, be more tactically aware and make better use the talented players we have - not to mention that he would significantly widen our scouting network.

I don't see anything that's not to like - it's an opportunity for the club to broaden its horizons from the English based strategy that has probably taken us as far as it can.

Yes he must know some decent young French prospects, maybe even others like Algerians too, who wouldn't cost a fortune either in transfers or wages, unlike the bulk of MON's signings. Hopefully improve some of the ones we've got as well.

Let's get a Spanish manager or Brazilian manager in then as they will obviously know about young players coming through.

Nevermind they're shit managers, just so long as they know some decent players who, more than likely, won't turn out to be any better than the players we've already got.

[andyh]

what is the longest a premier league team has been without a manager ?

[Irreverent ad]

what is the longest a premier league team has been without a manager ?

Newcastle? Shearer then Hughton....

[peter w]

Exactly the point.

Had he left at the start of the summer, the list would have looked a bit different. Leaving when he did limited our options.

I'd say the apparent reluctance to "poach" somebody else's manager has been more of a limiting factor.  I have to say that without actually knowing who the boss will be yet, I'm very disappointed with the list of names so far.  I'm trying to talk myself into being excited by a Houllier/MacDonald partnership, but in truth it's really not what I expected to see 5 years in now that O'Neill has left.  All the jobless managers linked so far are out of work for a reason, and it just smacks of there not being any money left for either a decent manager or new players.

Agreed - especially the last line. maybe if we had an owner whose money is concentrated on us and not split between two clubs would be more beneficial. Surely spending big in the States has had an adverse affect on our abilities to spend this summe. for players and a decent manager.

[Villa'Zawg]

Sadly, I fear this is the time we take a reality check.

Randy appears to be spent out and MON walked out for taht very reason - the timing of which will make him an unliked man at VP forever I would imagine.

This could well be a season of miscontent.

Ah that famous season of miscontent....

Made Glorious...I am determined to prove a villain...

[pauliewalnuts]

Houllier would be fine as far as I'm concerned. Someone who would encourage us to play to feet, be more tactically aware and make better use the talented players we have - not to mention that he would significantly widen our scouting network.

I don't see anything that's not to like - it's an opportunity for the club to broaden its horizons from the English based strategy that has probably taken us as far as it can.

Yes he must know some decent young French prospects, maybe even others like Algerians too, who wouldn't cost a fortune either in transfers or wages, unlike the bulk of MON's signings. Hopefully improve some of the ones we've got as well.

Let's get a Spanish manager or Brazilian manager in then as they will obviously know about young players coming through.

Nevermind they're shit managers, just so long as they know some decent players who, more than likely, won't turn out to be any better than the players we've already got.

To be fair to Houllier, he has been deeply involved in the French academy system for a fair while now.

[wif]

Houllier? Sven? Jesus wept.

Houllier - 3 domestic league titles, and a UEFA cup
Sven - 5 domestic league titles, 3 European trophies plus 3 European runners up

Jesus would be moderately impressed, considering.

[pelty]

Exactly the point.

Had he left at the start of the summer, the list would have looked a bit different. Leaving when he did limited our options.

I'd say the apparent reluctance to "poach" somebody else's manager has been more of a limiting factor.  I have to say that without actually knowing who the boss will be yet, I'm very disappointed with the list of names so far.  I'm trying to talk myself into being excited by a Houllier/MacDonald partnership, but in truth it's really not what I expected to see 5 years in now that O'Neill has left.  All the jobless managers linked so far are out of work for a reason, and it just smacks of there not being any money left for either a decent manager or new players.

Where has this bit about not wanting to poach other managers come from? I know the General talked about it from his OWN perspective as a fan, but has the CLUB said anything about this? Who would you like to see from another club? Moyes is out as are some of the other currently employed favorites being bandied about. They have been asked and have no interest in leaving their clubs in a similar situation to how we have been left by MON. So who else? Someone like Holloway? That might be the type who might consider leaving their clubs to come to Villa. Is that the caliber you have in mind? Not having a go; just asking the question...