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

[Concrete John]

Problem is you don't seem to be questioning anything, but rtaher taking all the negative media spin and treating it as gospel.

[dave.woodhall]

First of all, Martinez didn't turn us down. Second, McLaren was never offered the job.

[Mazrim]

First of all, Martinez didn't turn us down. Second, McLaren was never offered the job.

Dont try and use facts to thwart good rantin'

[aev]

He did turn the chance to come and have a chat though?

[Rick_avfc]

Just tuned into Talkshite and surprise surprise, Adrian Durham cant understand why Villa fans do not want Mcleish considering he is a trophy winner!  What is this ginger numpty on?!?  (no offence to any ginger haired people)

[Outcast2006]

I am in fact qeustionning the owner of the club,  the way he continues to handle the appointment of a new manager and indeed the way in which he running of the club may make it a difficult role to fill and I am in good company if you see the latest from Graham Taylor Here

Former Aston Villa boss Graham Taylor has admitted he is "surprised and disappointed" at how the club have handled their search for a new manager.

Alex McLeish has emerged as the latest contender to succeed Gerard Houllier.

McLeish has been linked with a move to Villa after resigning as boss of rivals Birmingham City via email on Sunday.

But Blues say they will not accept his resignation until compensation is agreed over the remaining two-and-a-half years of his contract.

Wigan Athletic's Roberto Martinez has already rejected advances from Villa as owner Randy Lerner continues his pursuit of Houllier's replacement.

Taylor, who had two spells in charge of Villa, told BBC Sport: "It just doesn't appear to have been thought through and for the first time the ownership of the club is coming under severe criticism.

"When Gerard became ill it must have occurred to them that he may not come back, even if the signs were that he may have returned.

 "This is not being disrespectful to Gerard in any way, but once he became unwell then you have to immediately start exploring what you might do if he does not come back.

"It doesn't appear to me and many others that this has been done. They seem to be going from name to name.

"Villa don't seem to have grasped that nettle at all. It is disappointing. I still live in the area and have a special feeling for them as you always do about clubs you have managed, but I have been surprised and disappointed at their handling of this."

Houllier missed the last month of the 2010/11 Premier League season because of heart problems and left the club on 1 June.

The possibility of McLeish being appointed has sparked an angry reaction from many Villa fans with an 'Aston Villa Supporters - We Don't Want Alex McLeish' Facebook page already attracting more than 5,000 names in less than 24 hours.

But Taylor insists the Scot has the personality to take on the task should he eventually be Lerner's prime target, and said: "I think Alex has the strength of character but it won't be easy for him. He has a hardness about him.

"It would be difficult though, because many Villa fans would not want a Birmingham man as their manager and many Birmingham supporters might see him as a traitor. He is a strong man though, and I think he could cope with that."

[Outcast2006]

First of all, Martinez didn't turn us down. Second, McLaren was never offered the job.

I guess you could try and argue those points yes but in reality with Martinez we asked his current employers for permission to talk to him,  they said yes.  Martinez then turned down the opportunity to talk to Villa about the role of manager.  So in fact he did turn us down.

ON Mclaren,  yes again he was never offered the job because the owner got jittery on seeing the reaction by the fans on internet message boards to the possible appointment of Mclaren as manager.  I happen to think the fans were correct by the way.

[eastie]

As usual sir Graham is talking a lot of sense.

[Chris Smith]

As usual sir Graham is talking a lot of sense.

No, for once he's not. He really should know better.

[Toronto Villa]

First of all, Martinez didn't turn us down. Second, McLaren was never offered the job.

I guess you could try and argue those points yes but in reality with Martinez we asked his current employers for permission to talk to him,  they said yes.  Martinez then turned down the opportunity to talk to Villa about the role of manager.  So in fact he did turn us down.

ON Mclaren,  yes again he was never offered the job because the owner got jittery on seeing the reaction by the fans on internet message boards to the possible appointment of Mclaren as manager.  I happen to think the fans were correct by the way.

How about Martinez stayed loyal to his current employer? That's not a popular take on things because it isn't as sexy as Martinez turned us down.

On McClaren, have the board ever come out and said that's why McClaren was not considered? Or is it that the press, with zero access to the club happen to frequent message boards such as this and have concluded that this is why McClaren wasn't considered? That then becomes the popular belief and everyone rides that train because the club won't do their business in the media.

[Chris Smith]

First of all, Martinez didn't turn us down. Second, McLaren was never offered the job.

I guess you could try and argue those points yes but in reality with Martinez we asked his current employers for permission to talk to him,  they said yes.  Martinez then turned down the opportunity to talk to Villa about the role of manager.  So in fact he did turn us down.

ON Mclaren,  yes again he was never offered the job because the owner got jittery on seeing the reaction by the fans on internet message boards to the possible appointment of Mclaren as manager.  I happen to think the fans were correct by the way.

How do you know that is what happened with McClaren? Seems to be you're just lapping up whatever spin the media feed you.

[Toronto Villa]

As usual sir Graham is talking a lot of sense.

I like many have massive amounts of respect for Sir Graham. But honestly, he's being carried along by the wave of myths that are being created in the media, none more so than by his bitter BBC colleague Pat Murphy.

[VillaAlways]

ON Mclaren,  yes again he was never offered the job because the owner got jittery on seeing the reaction by the fans on internet message boards to the possible appointment of Mclaren as manager.  I happen to think the fans were correct by the way.

You've been listening to too much TalkSport.Mclarens rep said we didn't approach.So that Randy listening to fans is just b*llocks that TalkSport is spilling out every hour !!

[Outcast2006]

Toronto I'm on that train now and there are a lot of empty seats.  Dont think everyone is on it!

As to Martinez staying loyal,  whatever the reason for his turn down (and I am not speculating on the reason) fact is he truned us down.

[Jockey Randall]

Graham has let himself down today. Thought he was better than this.