Lambert's replacement

[footyskillz]

If we are going to start properly competing in the division from next summer forward, I think Rafa Benitez will be interested.

Of the decent candidates currently employed, he is the only one I can see jumping ship now.

He has stalled on his new contract at Napoli as have some of his top players, so less compo for us to pay.

They are on a great run at the moment but too far behind Juve really to get back in the title race.

It wasnt too long ago that Benitez was in trouble with their early CL exit.

In terms of timing, Benitez stock is a good bit higher now than maybe it deserves to be and he definitely wants to come back nearer his family in Liverpool.

The only other gig that seems to be available next summer is Newcastle where he wont get the control or money he craves.

I think he will be interested in Villa and if so is worth getting in now.

With due respect the situation and the likely hood to entice your suggestion is seriously non starter
I'm sorry but Rafaz is settled in Italy with a squad of players including Higuain  , Callejon, Hamsik, Inker, Michu, Zuniga , Albiol and being third in league , and in Europa league as well as Italia cup semis v Lazio coming up he won't be leaving. Granted I respect your wish but I can say he's not one that will be coming for 13 cup finals - despite being a great cup manager.

Similar Tim Sherwood is thought to be Roy Keane esqe in his approach and wouldnt be considered as an outright .

Warnock only muted as a sensible suggestion to the situation Villa findthemselves in. its far more likely a consideration than Rafa benitez or even David Moyes... For now.

Remember the feeling McLaren wasn't wanted. Remember to that solskjaer and Martinez both at far smaller clubs weren't ineterested. fair play to Lambert who gave it a go. Its right to move on but chaps let's have a sense of perspective to the situation . cheers utv

[el león Benidorm]

Depends on Rafa's memory is after the Usted un camarero gordo Espanol chants

[tony scott]

I would give it to McAllister, for the rest if the season ,knows the setup note of caution lots of us wanted Lambert!!!

[Walmley_Villa]

Strachan over sherwood yes but only on a short term basis.

I doubt he will ever forget his relegation at VP with Cov, he would love to take us down!

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Steve McClaren has ruled himself out but did have a few kind words to say; “No doubt who goes in, it is a very good job, a big job and a sleeping giant and someone is going to be very lucky to get that.”

[aj2k77]

Remember that feeling when MON took over, was mobbed in the Car park of the North Stand and the euphoria, I want that back again or at least something similar. Gordon fucking Strachan is certainly not the manager for us, a great little guy at clubs with tiny expectations, his Premier league record is crap.

[puppyfeat]

Rijkaard hasn't worked in club management for almost four and a half years since he got sacked at Gala.

What, he worked at the bingo?!

[ciggiesnbeer]

Steve McClaren has ruled himself out but did have a few kind words to say; “No doubt who goes in, it is a very good job, a big job and a sleeping giant and someone is going to be very lucky to get that.”

Decent of him.

[DrGonzo]

Klinsmann, we are in desperate need of some efficiency up front.  There's not a lot of managers out there available, don't fancy many of the other names linked.  So we either appoint short term and spend some quality time looking for the right fit, or we take our chances and take what we can get now, the Russian Roulette approach.

[Walmley_Villa]

I just cannot see Klinsmann leaving California for Witton or indeed his American wife wanting to. He will probably stick with the US Team until MLS develops enough for him to take a job there.

[boboonthecorner]

I can't agree with Stan on the Allardyce link but I think Moyes would be a great shout......

[steamer]

I also would go with the McAllister shout  for  the rest of the season.
I say that as a total ignoramus a perhaps he has a great job some where else and not touch us with a bargepole.

[ozzjim]

Houllier as DOF with Gary Mac as head coach with Laursen as assistant would look quite good. Never happen though.

[preston28]

I also would go with the McAllister shout  for  the rest of the season.
I say that as a total ignoramus a perhaps he has a great job some where else and not touch us with a bargepole.

I bet with end up with Ally McCoist knowing our chairman and owner!

[JUAN PABLO]

Its going to be Neil Lennon isnt it ?   ;0