Speculation continues to mount arround Gerrard Houllier’s future as Aston Villa manager. Seemingly too unwell to take charge for the final league game of the season this weekend and after a disappointing season, perhaps it is time for Randy Lerner to consider a new appointment. But, of the top five bookie’s favourites to take the reins at Villa Park, who would be the best fit?
Quoted at around 7/1 is current Norwich City manager Paul Lambert. The former Celtic midfielder has enjoyed a fantastic two seasons at Carrow Road with the Canaries achieving successive promotions from League One to the Premier League. Lambert has done wonders to construct an organised and well-motivated side capable of playing attractive football on a modest budget. But, having led Norwich this far, surely he would be reluctant to leave. Likewise, he could prove a gamble as, despite his fantastic knowledge of the lower leagues, he is still untested in the top flight and only next season will prove if he has the talent to manager in the Premier League.
A surprise inclusion at 6/1 is former Bolton, Newcastle and Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce. Out of work since his shock sacking by Blackburn in December, Allardyce would represent a cheap option. Whilst Allardyce is the man responsible for establishing Bolton as a Premiership side his spells at Newcastle and Blackburn were not so successful and perhaps this is why so few sides have made a move for him. Similarly, whilst capable of bringing stability to a club, Allardyce does not always play the most attractive of football and this could prove unpopular with Villa fans.
Another manager linked with the role is former Valencia, Liverpool and Inter Milan manager Rafa Benitez at 5/1. Having been sacked by Inter after a disappointing stint, Benitez has undoubted Premiership pedigree and led Liverpool to FA Cup and Champions League success. But despite his obvious tactical talents, Lerner would surely be loathe to appoint a manager who has regularly fallen out with senior figures both in and out of his own club and who would demand a large transfer kitty.
Current joint favourites both quoted at 9/4 are Mark Hughes and David Moyes. Like Allardyce, Hughes is a man who would bring stability rather than glamour to the club. His spell at Manchester City proved ill-fated as he was unable to deliver success to Eastlands despite significant investment by the clubs new owner, Skeihk Mansour. But, his Fulham side have become extremely consistent and have risen to eighth in the table. But, with the likely addition of Europa League football at Craven Cottage next year, Hughes would surely be reluctant to leave.
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David Moyes, on the other hand, is growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of investment at Everton and would move for the right offer. The Scotsman proved himself one of the few managers capable of breaking into the top four of the Premier League with an organised side built at a fraction of the cost of the likes of Chelsea of Manchester United. However, he would more than likely demand money for investment if her were to move. But having already spent a figure that could rise to £30 million on transfers in January, it remains to be seen whether Randy Lerner could guarantee this. Similarly, Villa would have to agree around £3-4 million in compensation were he to move.
Other outsiders quoted at around 8/1 are Martin Jol and Steve McClaren. Both are available immediately having recently left their previous clubs, out of choice in the case of Jol and after poor results in Germany for McClaren. But, both left England once before in disappointment and with their contracts terminated due to poor results and whether they would be right men to rebuild the Aston Villa team remains to be seen.
