Andy Townsend

[Monty]

He's the last Villa skipper to lift a trophy, he's positive and a he's winner.  I can't see any downside to having Andy Townsend's presence back around the Club, it would be good to see him back.

What if he's not qualified to do his job?

[Dante Lavelli]

Unsure.  Respected him as a player and captain but the Head of Football role - as I see it - is very different animal and whilst Townsend has never failed in such a position he will be learning in the job which has it's pitfalls. 

To put it another way, would Arsenal fans be so keen on Adams getting a strategic position at their club.  An extreme example but a good captain does not guarantee success in other roles.

[PeterWithesShin]

I liked him as a player, as a pundit/co-commentator he was crap. So unsure whether he is the right man, fingers crossed.

And i'm still annoyed that a) this wasn't a straight red, and b) Townsend seems to defend it

[Chris Jameson]

The Townsend I've heard on the radio is very different to the one on TV, wonder if they have to dumb down for TV? Although Savage, Lawrenson and Ian Wright manage to keep a constant level of idiocy for both formats.

[kippaxvilla2]

At least he doesn't like Guzan or Lescott that sells it for me!

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/former-aston-villa-captain-andy-10719283

[montague]

Can't see the point.  Surely it is a role Brian Little can fill, or one he is already doing.

BL has a job with the Jersey FA so may not want to / be available to do it.

[PeterWithe]

Will he bring his Tactics Truck?

[SheffieldVillain]

Or stick Mr. Blobby up front?

No, I think Gabby's had his day now.

[curiousorange]

Me and the missus were talking about Townsend the other day, how he was one of those players that probably didn't have the greatest skill set in the game but worked really hard to make the most of what he'd got. Maybe that's transferred into post-game too. I don't think he came across as an idiot on ITV, just eager to please. There aren't many people who are involved in punditry in the UK that don't assume we're all aching for British clubs to win European trophies.

[Woofles The Wonder Dog]

I heard him on radio 5 a few times and thought he was totally different to the way he is on itv too. Judging him on commentary for the masses is a bit unfair. Was a great captain and sorely missed a bit like we missed Petrov.

He used to have a Sunday morning show on Talksport, and it was one of their best shows (faint praise, I know), completely lacking in their usual,adversarial bollocks and full of perceptive thoughts.

[Des Little]

Two of his big mates in the game are Southgate and Steve Bruce (they're still near neighbours I believe), which may have a bearing on who the new manager may be?  Or am I putting two and two together and getting 12?

[placeforparks]

not for me, clive.

[Brend'Watkins]

His punditry and commentary are quite polished now and he's a likeable chap. I wasn't his greatest fan during his playing days but he always worked his socks off.  If he could instill some of that into this lot he'd be a real asset.   

[Monty]

Pat Murphy has said unequivocally that it's not going to happen.

[eamonn]

Can't see the point.  Surely it is a role Brian Little can fill, or one he is already doing.

Little is a (possibly unpaid) advisor. Townsend would be full-time and in charge. He'd be a good call - I've always thought he'd make a good manager. He knows football, you never hear a bad word about him and he is/was a leader. He's the one player we've never replaced and he could give chapter and verse to Richards about captaincy.

Think he was part of that ''lads club'' at Chelsea who Graeme Le Saux said he was bullied by, (constantly called a homosexual for being different etc.) but that aside, he seemed to keep his nose clean over the years.