Kevin McDonald is to Leave Aston Villa.

[ozzjim]

I think the time is right. He was always too comfortable a solution if things were not right with the manager, and has been involved with the first team for a while now, without any real effect, and was part of TSM team last season, so has to share in the pain of that. His work with the reserves and youth has been brilliant, but then we have McAndrew, and maybe Sid going back to the youth set up could be a possibility if Bertie wants his own men around him. I would hope he brings a couple more as well as Culverhouse and Karsa if I am honest, unless Sid stays with the first team. I do think the time is right though, and I really hope if he wants the top job somewhere he makes a good fist of it. I fear he will be back in at youth level within 2-3 seasons though. A bit of a Paul Hart.

[django]

A shame but probably the best thing for him and us.

[Concrete John]

Very sorry to see him go, but it's probably a sign of Lambert bringing his own staff in, which can only be a good thing.

All the best, K-Mac, and thanks for 17 years of great service!

[Irish villain]

Sad news. All the best Kevin Mac.

[Risso]

Sorry to see him leave but it was always on the cards.  Not many coaches survive as many changes of manager as MacDonald has, and while Houllier and McLeish were probably willing to put up with people who they didn't appoint, it may be that Lambert is a bit more ruthless.  Or it could be that Kevin just wants a fresh start elsewhere.  In any case, the very best of luck to him.

[Billy Walker]

A fantastic servant to Villa.  Best wishes and thanks for everything Kevin.

[KRS]

Best wishes KMac and thanks for your long service to Aston Villa.

[flybo]

Thank you kevin for all your hard work hope what ever you do next makes you happy.

[Fergal]

I wish him well, he was a good servant of our club.

[Rigadon]

Shame.  It's absolutely right that the new manager has the chance to build his own staff, but K-Mac's successor will have much to live up to.

[VillaAlways]

From the OS

Long-time club servant MacDonald to leave Villa
09 Jun 2012 13:31



Kevin MacDonald has decided to bring to an end his long association with Aston Villa Football Club.

The former double-winning Liverpool midfield player became synonymous with the success of Villa's academy and reserves.

Since his arrival at Villa in 1995, he has overseen the development of such players as Gareth Barry, Gabby Agbonlahor, Marc Albrighton, Ciaran Clark, Barry Bannan, Andreas Weimann, Craig Gardner, Gary Gardner, Darius Vassell, Steven Davis, Liam Ridgewell, Thomas Hitzlsperger, Lee Hendrie, Jlloyd Samuel and Gary Cahill, to name a few.

As manager of Villa reserves, he secured a Premier Reserve League North title in 2003-04, and four Reserve League South titles in five years from the 2007-08 season and a national play-off triumph in 2008-09.

At the beginning of the 2010-11 season he stepped into the breach as caretaker manager of Villa before assuming a first-team coaching role alongside reserve team duties last season.

Chief Executive Paul Faulkner said: "As a club, we are immensely grateful for the contribution Kevin has made in more than 17 years at Villa.

"He has been an integral part of the success we have enjoyed at academy and reserve team level and, in assuming his caretaker responsibilities at the beginning of the 2010-11 season, he cemented his position as a man who will always command respect at this club.

"The whole of Aston Villa Football Club will wish Kevin well."

Kevin said: "I've had an incredible 17 years at Aston Villa, one of the biggest clubs in the country, and wish to thank all the staff and players I have worked with during my time at the club.

"I wish Aston Villa every success in the future."

[Rigadon]

What a gent.

[Clampy]

It's a shame that he's gone. I personally thought he did well in the caretaker role considering he was thrown into it 5 days before the start of the season and the job he's done with the reserves has been outstanding. The best of luck to him.

[PaulWinch again]

A shame he's gone and good luck in the future Kev, but it is important the new manager is supported with the staff he wants and not those imposed on him.

[Ron Manager]

Yes it is a shame he has served the club very well. Whether it was his decision or not I dont really want to know but I hope he gets a job offer as soon as possible.