Manager for next season

[Monty]

I really really doubt that Moyes would be the man to build the next three Villa sides. He could build the next one, to get us up, and that would be great and is all we need think about. However, if Xia really does want us to be competing in the top 6 in today's league I have massive doubts.

However, cross that bridge if we come to it. Moyes would be a lot better than most of the suggested names!

[Toronto Villa]

We have to establish ourselves again as a solid PL team. Not one where the defeat is guaranteed before kick off. I would happily accept 6th through 9th over the next few years once we get back up. Let's worry about the next jump at that point.

[Monty]

I agree. I don't think Xia would be as sentimental as Randy if it isn't working. That said, Randy has fired an amazing number of managers.

[Toronto Villa]

I agree. I don't think Xia would be as sentimental as Randy if it isn't working. That said, Randy has fired an amazing number of managers.

For being massive expensive mistakes. It would be quite the thing for us to change manager because we need to progress to the next level of our ambition.

[DaveD]

Well I'd be over the moon if we get Moyes. Think he's exactly what we need right now. And if it happens I'll be switching my vote from 'Nope' to 'Yep' on the positive about Recon poll.

I voted Moyes when the poll started and I'm still convinced he is the best man available to us.

In the somewhat less binary Recon poll in my head, I am slowly moving from Pessimistic But Not Panicking Yet towards Cautiously Optimistic.

[Marlon From Bearwood]

We don't just need a decent manager, we need one with a strong personality, and who will rebuild this club from the ground up.

Of the three names mentioned, Moyes strikes me as the obvious one.

What's more, we have just been relegated, we are going to need to try to remain relevant and high profile. Appointing Moyes would certainly achieve that. Moyes and Benitez managing in the championship would make for a very interesting season 

I'm amazed some are turning their nose up at him.

My thoughts too. Moyes has been my preferred choice since Garde left.

[Tony Erdington]

Yes I to wanted Moyes from the off, I along with a lot on here wanted Moyes when the noisy minority were shouting for Garde, well now we showing signs of professionalism, in trying to get a proper recognised manager in, Dr X pull this off, and you will quell a lot of the doubters.

[Toronto Villa]

Yes I to wanted Moyes from the off, I along with a lot on here wanted Moyes when the noisy minority were shouting for Garde, well now we showing signs of professionalism, in trying to get a proper recognised manager in, Dr X pull this off, and you will quell a lot of the doubters.

There was no noisy minority shouting for Garde. But given the actual choices at the time, who wanted to come to us, Garde was a good choice once it was suggested and the appointment made.

[dave shelley]

I was one of the minority that wanted Garde but, I don't recall being noisy about it, it was my opinion on a forum that encourages diverse opinions.  And, I don't think my daughter would be impressed with having to pull Dr Xia off!

[Whiney MacWhineface]

Sexy football?

First step: stop being the reserve comedy act at Bill Smart's.
Second step: get promoted however it's done.
Third step: evaluate and move on

Moyes for steps 1 & 2. Give him a chance at step 3.

[Monty]

I agree. I don't think Xia would be as sentimental as Randy if it isn't working. That said, Randy has fired an amazing number of managers.

For being massive expensive mistakes. It would be quite the thing for us to change manager because we need to progress to the next level of our ambition.

I would hope we'd become a club who did that rather than remained loyal to a nice but inadequate guy who did well up to a point. Maybe Moyes will be that guy, but that wouldn't be so bad because it would have meant actually doing well up to that point, i.e. promotion.

[Toronto Villa]

Sexy football?

First step: stop being the reserve comedy act at Bill Smart's.
Second step: get promoted however it's done.
Third step: evaluate and move on

Moyes for steps 1 & 2. Give him a chance at step 3.

yep nice summary. And while we could appoint other managers who might be able to do 1 and 2, none would come with Moyes instant credibility in the game.

[Toronto Villa]

I agree. I don't think Xia would be as sentimental as Randy if it isn't working. That said, Randy has fired an amazing number of managers.

For being massive expensive mistakes. It would be quite the thing for us to change manager because we need to progress to the next level of our ambition.

I would hope we'd become a club who did that rather than remained loyal to a nice but inadequate guy who did well up to a point. Maybe Moyes will be that guy, but that wouldn't be so bad because it would have meant actually doing well up to that point, i.e. promotion.

I do like the Southampton approach for that reason. Or even, dare I say it West Ham. We need to get there and ideally the same bloke can keep pushing us on. But we shouldn't be afraid of change to keep us progressing.

[mr woo]

As I've said before, I feel Moyes' last two jobs aren't necessarily indicative of his ability. Anybody walking into the Utd job after Ferguson, was on a hiding to nothing. Even an international class and well renowned manager such as LVG has struggled to stamp his authority there. I reckon Mourinho was/is probably the only one with big enough kahunas to remould that club while Fergies spectre remains.

As for his stint in Spain, I thought it was a bad move from the off, what with the language and cultural barriers, not to mention the difference in football philosophy between here and Spain.


I accept the argument that trophy-wise his CV looks sparse, but let's not forget the consistent top six Premier League finishes on a limited (though not as limited as some would have you believe) budget.

Honestly, considering the season we've had this is not only a no-brainer,  it's actually a coup we'd be idiotic to miss out on.

[ciggiesnbeer]

Well if those are the three candidates (come on now, no Bielsa Dr.X?) I would be happy enough with any of them.

It is nice to have some transparency into the process.