Roberto Olabe

[LeeS]

His record looks good but a bit patchy. He’s hardly the messiah. Fingers crossed he has an immediate impact. Like Thursday for instance.

[Somniloquism]

Can we have temp bans for people who deliberately quote long posts on purpose for annoyance factors?

[Clive W]

I’m very old school and remember the days when a football club had a manager, and a bloke who would run onto the pitch with a bucket of water and a sponge every now and again.

And that was it.

Now we have directors of this and that, dietitians, head coaches, defence coaches, goalkeeping coaches, forward’s coaches, set piece coaches etc etc

My question to those more knowledgeable of the modern game is will we see any change in the way we play (hopefully) or do we have to wait until the transfer window before we can judge him?

 

[Brazilian Villain]

It's official. https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2025/september/23/club-statement/

[Tuscans]

It's official. https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2025/september/23/club-statement/

Aston Villa today announces changes to its Sporting Organisational structure.

The club would like to confirm that Monchi is stepping down as President of Football Operations and will continue in an advisory role at V Sports.

Roberto Olabe will take over as the club’s new President of Football Operations with immediate effect.

A former professional goalkeeper, Olabe has managerial experience having taken charge of Real Sociedad, Almeria and Real Union before moving into a Director of Football role. He joins after leaving his position as Director of Football at Real Sociedad having had Sporting Director roles at Real Valladolid, Independiente del Valle in Ecuador, Aspire and the Qatar Football Association in Qatar, in addition to serving as the technical director of La Liga.

Roberto and Unai are linking up for the second time having previously worked together at Almeria with Damian Vidagany continuing in the role of Director of Football Operations.

Nassef Sawiris, Chairman of AVFC, said: “Firstly, I would like to thank Monchi for his hard work and invaluable contribution as President of Football Operations during an exciting period at Aston Villa. His commitment and vision has directly contributed to the club's recent successes, reaching the quarter-final of the Champions League as well as qualifying for Europe for three consecutive seasons.

“We are delighted that Roberto is joining Aston Villa. He has built a reputation as someone who can spot talent that can be developed and we look forward to supporting him to achieve the ambitions we have for V Sports and Aston Villa.”

Monchi said: “I would like to thank everyone connected with Aston Villa for the support and warmth they have shown me since I joined the club, especially Unai and Damian who I have worked especially closely with over these last two years. I must also thank our owners, Nassef Sawiris, Wes Edens and Michael Angelakis for their confidence and their support. I would also like to say a special thank you to all the staff at Aston Villa as well as the players. Lastly, a big thank you to the supporters. We have enjoyed so many special moments together and I look forward to continuing to support V Sports in an advisory role.”

[adrenachrome]

I’m very old school and remember the days when a football club had a manager, and a bloke who would run onto the pitch with a bucket of water and a sponge every now and again.

And that was it.

Now we have directors of this and that, dietitians, head coaches, defence coaches, goalkeeping coaches, forward’s coaches, set piece coaches etc etc

My question to those more knowledgeable of the modern game is will we see any change in the way we play (hopefully) or do we have to wait until the transfer window before we can judge him?

 

When the magic sponge was replaced by the magic spray, I felt in my bones that the gig was up.

[kippaxvilla2]

At least he’s joining consistency.  Real Sociedad played 5 won 0.

[eamonn]

Who is Michael Angelakis?

[PeterWithesShin]

His name is too similar to Robert Mugabe for my liking.

[Meanwood Villa]

I’m very old school and remember the days when a football club had a manager, and a bloke who would run onto the pitch with a bucket of water and a sponge every now and again.

And that was it.

Now we have directors of this and that, dietitians, head coaches, defence coaches, goalkeeping coaches, forward’s coaches, set piece coaches etc etc

My question to those more knowledgeable of the modern game is will we see any change in the way we play (hopefully) or do we have to wait until the transfer window before we can judge him?

 

When the magic sponge was replaced by the magic spray, I felt in my bones that the gig was up.

Strangely enough,  your bones would have felt fine with a bit of treatment from the magic sponge