Sunday Times article

[Mister E]

I don't pay for online Times but read in my hard copy this morning an article by David Walsh. He wrote a balanced pieec about GH and argues that he should appoint an English assistant manager to support him at VP. Three names were mentioned: Mary Poppins, Monkey-Face Keown and Gareth Southgate.
The logic was based on the likely length of tenure by GH (2-3 years at most, according to Walsh); the opportunity to continue Villa's "English experiment" (my words, not Walsh's) and the benefit to English football of developing English managerial talent.
Not sure what I think really, although I wouldn't be averse to either Keown or Southgate. Not so sure about Shearer (he's more likely to bugger off back ot the N-E after having tapped up the experience at VP).

[Chris Smith]

Gary McAllister is the latest name linked. I'd be quite happy with that, seems to be a thoughtful and intelligent man and obviously knows Houllier well.

[eamonn]

Pity he isn't inglish.

[damon loves JT]

Proof, if it were ever needed, that what most football writers need is to have their head slammed in a car door over and over again

[bob]

I couldn't give a fuck about the benefit to English football of developing English managerial talent.

[damon loves JT]

I couldn't give a fuck about the benefit to English football of developing English managerial talent.

I can't hear Alan Shearer or Monkey-Face Keown voice an opinion without wanting to throw heavy objects around the room.

As for Southgate, he can apply for a job at the Villa when he's had a successful spell of management at a decent club.

[The Man With A Stick]

So as well as developing players for Man City, we're now supposed to groom young managers for England as well?  Oh, what joy.

[Rip Van We Go Again]

Gary McAllister is the latest name linked. I'd be quite happy with that, seems to be a thoughtful and intelligent man and obviously knows Houllier well.

Did pretty well in his brief sprint at Coventry.

[hilts_coolerking]

Gary McAllister is the latest name linked. I'd be quite happy with that, seems to be a thoughtful and intelligent man and obviously knows Houllier well.

Did pretty well in his brief sprint at Coventry.

I'm sure he'd go the extra 100 yards for us.

[Rip Van We Go Again]

Gary McAllister is the latest name linked. I'd be quite happy with that, seems to be a thoughtful and intelligent man and obviously knows Houllier well.

Did pretty well in his brief sprint at Coventry.

I'm sure he'd go the extra 100 yards for us.

I'm sure Houllier will pass him the baton shortly.

[cdbearsfan]

McCallister would be fine, and a potential replacement. I hate Shearer. He can fuck off.

[PaulTheVillan]

McAllister was a top class signing by GH at the time and I'm sure he could teach NRC how to pass.

[TimTheVillain]

McAllister was a top class signing by GH at the time and I'm sure he could teach NRC how to pass.

Not so sure about the NRC comment, but GH could do a lot worse than McAllister - he knows how to play the game.

[Rancid custard]

I'd go along with Gary Mac, Can't go wrong with a guy with that much playing experience. Did the business at Leeds and Liverpool, was Coventry's most consistent player on their downward spiral, good to keep the Sottish connection going too.

[PaulTheVillan]

McAllister was a top class signing by GH at the time and I'm sure he could teach NRC how to pass.

Not so sure about the NRC comment, but GH could do a lot worse than McAllister - he knows how to play the game.

If McAllister can't teach NRC to pass then there is no hope.