Who Should be Aston Villa Manager ? Now with new, revised poll

[Dante Lavelli]

Or Harding - a guy who went down in history of changing the entire history of a football club

I'm no chelsea fan but I thought Harding had effectively bankrupt Chelsea. 

From what I recall, he came in after Ken Bates (spit) and built hotels, named stands after himself and generally played billy big bollocks.  He was basically bailed out by Abramovich and - apologies if this sounds distasteful - if he had not died in a helicopter crash would be remembered very differently today if it was not bad form to speak ill of the dead.

Not that I care too much either way to be honest.

[citizenDJ]

We may not be the biggest club in the word (although I think so), but we are more than significant enough to attract the attention of very good managers indeed. Aside from the history, support, stadium etc I suspect there are a lot of managers who might like the idea of a supportive, rich chairman!

With regard to Hughes, I really think he'd be just fine. In fact, possibly better than that. I happen to think that he could, just could mind, be what we need; he's driven, he's got a point to prove and I believe he commands a fair bit of respect in the game. And Rovers aside, his teams have played pretty good stuff, too, as well as having a physical edge.

I'm starting to warm to the idea. Which means we'll probably appoint someone completely different.

[pauliewalnuts]

Or Harding - a guy who went down in history of changing the entire history of a football club

I'm no chelsea fan but I thought Harding had effectively bankrupt Chelsea. 

From what I recall, he came in after Ken Bates (spit) and built hotels, named stands after himself and generally played billy big bollocks.  He was basically bailed out by Abramovich and - apologies if this sounds distasteful - if he had not died in a helicopter crash would be remembered very differently today if it was not bad form to speak ill of the dead.

Not that I care too much either way to be honest.

Not quite.

Harding had been dead for seven years by the time Abramovich came on the scene.

The stand in question was completed a year after he'd been dead.

Harding invested huge amounts of money in CHelsea and started the transformation which Abramovich continued.

[citizenDJ]

His record for picking up bargains in the transfer market is not too shabby either.

His record for wasting astonishing amounts of money when he is given an open cheque-book is pretty eye-opening as well though.

Genuine question, as I can't remember too many of his signings; who did he sign who was a waste of money?

[holtepaul]

Harding was not MEGA RICH - have a look at his profile.

He was in the top 100 richest people in Britain in 1996

Now, dont get me wrong, I wouldnt mind his money, but it is not exactly earth shattering. COmpare to now, JK Rowling is something like No. 10 !

He invested 24.5 million in Chelsea - that completely changed their entire history - 25 million, 1996 ? - I know this is not a proper comparison, but I bought my old house in 1996, and sold it in 2006 - it cost 40k , I sold it for 150k - so lets say it quadrupled

Putting Hardings investment at around 100 million modern day

Lerner has ALREADY put that in to us - and lets not forget, we are not talking one of the 100 richest people on Britain, Lerner is that in USA (and even richer if you take into account his family)

We have finances ,dont forget Houllier spent 30 million quid in January alone ! , finances are there.

So why on earth if we have

a) One of the richest owners on the planet who is known for giving loyalty and support to his managers
b) Finances available, not maybe in the Man City league, but certainly in the league of Arsenal, Spurs etc...
c) A stadium that is FIFA top rated (and we are being told is being increased shortly
d) According to accountants we are in the 20 richest teams IN THE WORLD !
e) A team that totally underacheived this year and yet finished 9th ! with mainly a nucleus of young players

Tell me, with all these, and more I could go on about

Why on earth is it so far fetched for Aston Villa to attract a top manager ?

Why can clubs far far far smaller and with less finances (Roma, Shalke, and many many others could name) seem to believe they can be the best - but one of only 24 clubs that have won the top prize in European football always think they are a mediocre club that will never be a top club.

it beggers belief it really does. No wonder Brummies are classed as a joke !

[enigma]

His record for picking up bargains in the transfer market is not too shabby either.

His record for wasting astonishing amounts of money when he is given an open cheque-book is pretty eye-opening as well though.

True but he's not going to get that here is he? And some of the biggest wastes weren't really his signings, more that twat Cooks. (Robinho et al)

[enigma]

His record for picking up bargains in the transfer market is not too shabby either.

His record for wasting astonishing amounts of money when he is given an open cheque-book is pretty eye-opening as well though.

Genuine question, as I can't remember too many of his signings; who did he sign who was a waste of money?

Massively overpaid for Lescott who was definitely a player Hughes wanted.

[Matt C]

I'm convinced it will be Hughes and am gradually warming to the idea.

[enigma]

Weren't Chelsea on the verge of 'Doing a Leeds' before Abramovic took over? Sure I read that somewhere.

[PaulWinch again]

I'd like an exciting choice ideally and a real statement of ambition.

[Mellin]

Hughes spent big on Jo, Lescott, SWP and Santa Cruz.

He made some very good signings (Kompany and De Jong come to mind), but that's some seriously expensive shite. If he could sort Ireland out, would you be prepared to forgive?

[Dave]

His record for picking up bargains in the transfer market is not too shabby either.

His record for wasting astonishing amounts of money when he is given an open cheque-book is pretty eye-opening as well though.

Genuine question, as I can't remember too many of his signings; who did he sign who was a waste of money?

Massively overpaid for Lescott who was definitely a player Hughes wanted.

Wright-Phillips, Santa Cruz, Adebayor...

When he pays smaller amounts (McCarthy, Samba, Bentley, Kompany) he seems to do a very decent job. But it's not like we have a chairman who doesn't give the manager the money that he wants to spend.

[holtepaul]

My beef with Hughes isn't on the field.

My beef with Hughes is in the last 7 years he has managed Wales , Blackburn, Man City, Fulham and if us - thats 5 teams in 7 years.

Stability as Jim Royle says my ..............

[tom villa]

houllier gone

[Dave]

*tedious post deleted*

As asked earlier, who at the time was competing with Chelsea to spend money on good footballers?

Then ask yourself, who is competing with us now to spend money on good footballers?

Then perhaps have a little lie down.