Ivo's question #2: How many ex-Villa players have managed national teams?

[Ivo Stas]

Gareth Southgate obviously.

And I remember Steve Staunton managing the Republic of Ireland.

There must have been others..?

[PeterWithesShin]

Peter Withe managed Thailand and Indonesia.

[TopDeck113]

Peter Withe managed the Thai and Indonesian national teams.

[TopDeck113]

As told to you first by the great man's shin.

[PeterWithesShin]

Sir Brian and Jersey. Does that count?

[TopDeck113]

Chris Nicholl was assistant manager of Northern Ireland.

[Ivo Stas]

Chris Nicholl was assistant manager of Northern Ireland.

Talking of Northern Ireland, Danny Blanchflower managed them in the 70s (specifically, Wikipedia says, for 16 games between 1976 and 1979, winning 4 and drawing another 4). I'm thinking he must be the first ex-Villa player to try his hand at international management..?

[adrenachrome]

George Graham made Arse great again.

[Ivo Stas]

Sir Brian and Jersey. Does that count?

I was going to say "no" because he was Director of Football but, upon conducting some further research, it transpires that sir Brian did actually step into the dugout himself (to great success, obviously).

So says Wikipedia:

Little was appointed as the Jersey FA's Director of Football in November 2014, overseeing the work of first team manager Jimmy Reilly. Reilly went on to lead the islanders to their first Muratti Vase Final victory in four years the following May. Months later, Jersey announced their intention to join UEFA, and when Reilly stepped aside in early 2016 Little was appointed to replace him. Little won the Muratti in May 2016, but stepped down as manager the following month and reverted to his position as Director of Football; allowing him to concentrate on his commitments at Aston Villa.

[DeKuip]

Didier Six has managed both Togo and Mauritius

[adrenachrome]

Ron Atkinson was on our books as a player, though he didn't play in the first team.

Noel Blake managed Exeter. I well remember his debut at VP; there was a gasp from the crowd each time he went near an opponent. Of course, it went rapidly downhill from there on several fronts.

[PeterWithesShin]

Which continent is the country of Exeter in?

[TopDeck113]

I had a vague recollection that Dwight Yorke had briefly managed Trinidad and Tobago, but Wikipedia says he was Assistant Manager.  Nonetheless, I'm sure that will be sufficient for him to talk himself up as a possible candidate the next time Brazil are in the market for a new manager.

[Louzie0]

Just looked up Big Ron, Alan Curbishley and Big Jim Cumbes.
I was convinced one of them had been an international manager; BJC could have been in cricket, as well.
Sadly, no.

I 'm now left wondering why not Big Alan?

[Ivo Stas]

Savo Milosevic is assistant manager of Montenegro.