The Martin O'Neill thread (with added sacking #2188)

[DrGonzo]

The fact that Sunderland fans are repeating us almost verbatim after his departure says all you need to hear. 

[cdbearsfan]

Who's that whose career's over the hill?

Is it a MONster, is it a MONster?

[ciggiesnbeer]

a summary of MON's fireside chat with Murphy on Radio 5 -

- deserved the chance to keep SAFC up again, never been relegated in 20 yrs
- should have won 3 more games
- turned Villa into a brilliant side having kept us up in first season
- intends to manage again, age not a barrier
- Adam Johnson should've done better
- appeared to have little respect for Di Canio, never met him
- angry that Murphy perceived him as a good starter at a club and then allows club to drift
- bragged about success at Celtic
- bragged about time at Villa (top 6 for 3 seasons etc etc, you know the script)
- Sunderland tense and tentative, flat
- bigged up bringing in SAFC forward coach Steve Guppy! I kid you not.

came across as defensive, subdued, bit like a defeated politician having just been ousted by the Lib Dems in a safe Tory seat. The bloke lost his mojo a long time ago and is yesterday's news now.

I didnt hear the whole thing but what I did hear (high lights) he didnt once wish Sunderland well or thank the fans (who have supported him through this bad period). I think he is an egomaniac. Treats Sunderland fans the way he treated us when he left here, like we were nothing, just a stepping stone.

[pauliewalnuts]

I think he took over a very average side. Where he went wrong was by trying to put that right with two or three big signings when whatever money available needed to be spread over more positions in my opinion.

True.

The thing is, that is Martin's biggest problem every time, isn't it?

Doesn't seem to understand the concept of looking abroad for better value for your money.

Pat Murphy was engaging in some truly stomach churning defence of O'Neill, suggesting he'd basically not had enough money as the side was far too weak. The obvious question is, how many managers, with "only" £30m to spend, and a really weak side, would go and spend almost the lot on Adam Johnson, Steven Fletcher and Danny Graham?

It's like having 100 quid to eat for the week, but then complaining when you've spunked it all away by Thursday, as you've been spending it on overpriced guff down at Harrods food hall.

[eastie]

Surprised to hear he still has the hunger to manage - his comments about ferguson are wrong though- while fergie may be the oldest he has adapted to the modern game and evolved whereas martin is still in a 80s time warp.

Look how he played he same side same tactics week in week out at villa, when it was clear some players were out on their feet , whereas fergie rotates to get the maximum from his players.

[Salsa Party Animal]

It tell you how bloody good is Alex Ferguson in moving on and changing the team and keep it fresh and winning. I believe if MON adapt his methods and use oversea market more and be more resourceful he will still be a Villa Manager.

[Greg N'Ash]

Just sums up the guy's ego really comparing himself to Ferguson. Ferguson has been at the top since the late 80's. MON on the other hand buggered up north to a league where you only had to finish above one team to win everything. Then he took over a team with low expectations, was given the biggest transfer budget in its history and finished no higher than the last clown. I'd agree Sunderland weren't loaded with top players when he arrived there but still some improvement should have been possible. Not really comparable with Ferguson i reckon. Darren Ferguson mebbe.

[TonyD]

Creature.

[DB]

A Championship club beckons...

[eastie]

A Championship club beckons...

 
I think he will be desperate to get the everton job if moyes moves on.

[old man villa fan]

The manager who always looks greener better from the other side of the fence.  Perhaps I was right the first time as he has always thought other managers had been dealt better hands than himself.  Making believe you are working with crap makes you look a better manager.  The envious git.

[tomd2103]

The interview with him is on Football Focus now.  He seemed genuinely surprised when asked why his teams start well and then seem to fizzle out and replied with "Where did you get that from?  Where did you get that from?". 

[JUAN PABLO]

4 people out of 100 reckon di canio will  keep Sunderland up on football focus.

lets hope the 96 are right

[TheTimVilla]

I once got a word copy of one of Jamie Oliver's books before it was published. Still got it somewhere. Somebody at the publishers sent it to his mate, who then decided to share it with a few of their friends, etc.

[Dave]

ReadyToGo.net has a 39 page match thread on our game today.

Makes quite amusing reading.