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Football News: No Outstanding Candidates To Replace Sherwood At Aston Villa

I was reading an article in which Scott Sinclair seemed to be regurgitating the nonsense spouted by Brendan Rodgers while he was managing Liverpool, with his mention of character, in particular, reminiscent of a Rodgers ramble. That got me thinking, with the rumours abounding linking the extra tanned Rodgers with the Aston Villa job, once he gets back from his holiday in Spain, should they sack the current manager, Tim Sherwood, and, if so, who should replace him? For starters, it must be said that Sherwood looks a man resigned to the sack, he looks completely devoid of ideas and seems to have no clue how to turn things around.

It is difficult to see Timmy figuring out a way to get Villa out of the mess they are currently in, just like it is difficult to see him managing to outwit an opposing manager, considering he is not someone known for his intellect. Certainly his time at Norwich City suggests he lacks intelligence, after he was caught fly tipping as each bag he dumped had his name and address on them! It really does seem that it is time to look for a change, a new man to try and actually take the club forward in a way Gerard Houllier, Paul Lambert and Tim Sherwood have failed to do.

 

The very fact Sherwood did manage to outfox Brendan Rodgers would rule him out for me, even if I had not witnessed the absolutely shambolic way he managed Liverpool, between teeth whitening appointments, sun tan bed sessions, liaisons with his secretary and managing his property portfolio. While Rodgers does seem to be a very nice guy, his complete and utter arrogance, embarrassing press conferences and inability to pick players in their correct positions, allied to the way he takes all the credit on himself for anything god that happens, makes me think he would be a terrible choice for the Villans. It does not help, that despite the media hype, he is absolutely awful at giving youngsters a chance, leading to Liverpool actually appointing a youth coach to integrate youngsters into the first team squad.

Andre Villas-Boas is set to leave Zenit St Petersburg next month, though it is difficult to see what could attract the former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager to take the role, even though he is keen to prove himself in English football. At 37, he would be yet another young manager learning the role that Villa have appointed, but it seems unlikely he would be interested. AVB's previous management attempts in England might well be enough to put Randy Lerner off him.

Frank de Boer has publicly revealed an interest in managing a Premier League side, which could put him right at the forefront of any shortlist, with a couple of Eredivisie titles under his belt with Ajax, he would certainly have the credentials to be of interest. Would he be looking to take over a struggling team, with little prospect of anything more due to the disinterest of the owner? Again it seems unlikely.

 

Maybe Gary Neville will fancy leaving the cushy Sky Sports studios to take a Prem job? Even if he was looking to cut his teeth in management, it is unlikely the Villa job would be the one to tempt him from the warm, and highly paid, embrace of Sky. Also, his only experience is coaching within the England set up, which is hardly good preparation for the day to day work of club management. It would not be a choice I would recommend that is for sure.

Eddie Howe is currently making a name for himself with Bournemouth, but it is unlikely he would want to swap working with a billionaire intent on investing to build a long term future for the club, to a billionaire with little to no interest in his investment.

Steve Cotterill is currently rebuilding his reputation with Bristol City, but he only seems to have any success with clubs in that area. There is also little chance his out of date style of football would succeed in the Prem.

Burnley's manager Sean Dyche worked miracles to win promotion a couple of seasons ago and then to keep them competitive last season while in the Prem, on a shoestring budget. He might be a man to consider Villa a step up from a Burnley side that have only just recovered from nearly being forced to close the doors in Dyche's early days in charge. It could certainly be an option to consider.

 

Glenn Hoddle's long sabbatical from club management has meant he is extremely keen on taking pretty much any job in the Premier League. He showed he was a good manager and coach in his time, only his religious views have kept him excluded from the game, as the PC-brigade, which tells us we should all respect others, also decided his views were not to be respected and forced him out of the England job. A time away running his Glenn Hoddle Academy in Spain has kept his hand in with the coaching, though his return to the Prem working as a coach with QPR was less than successful. I would still personally think he should be on the shortlist as a proven coach, capable of dragging quality performances out of less than quality players.

If the idea is simply to fight against relegation, then Mick McCarthy would be a possible option, he is able to instil a fighting quality to his sides that can be essential in avoiding relegation. Though it is only ever going to be about staving off relegation under him, as his style of football will never provide for more.

Nigel Pearson showed he can inspire his players during his spell with Leicester City, but he unfortunately comes with more baggage than a long haul flight. That is even if you forget about the racist son issue.

Karl Robinson is a lower league manager that has won plaudits for his style of play and getting Milton Keynes Dons (better known to many as Franchise FC) promotion last season was certainly a great feat. Knowing that he has probably taken MK Dons just about as far as he reasonably can, it is likely he would be ready to take the job if offered.

 

Harry Redknapp is a name that the media always throw into the mix whenever a high profile job becomes available, but he is just about the worst possible choice around. It still amazes me how far he has got on the back of being friends with the media, as that is seemingly the only skill he has ever shown in terms of management. Well other than the ability to get away with the most ridiculous defence in court of course.

Bob Bradley is another name that is media driven by his nationality, as the American owner might be swayed by the thought of employing a fellow American. The former USA and Egypt manager is currently working in Scandinavia in an attempt to break into top level European management, and was offering advice to the Liverpool owners FSG in recent months.

To me, the one that stands out is Glenn Hoddle, though I doubt he would even be considered by Lerner due to his private beliefs. The lack of real outstanding options is a real worry, and I would think that could well be the main issue that is keeping Sherwood in the role now, as it is clear he has given up. His mannerisms and attitude have been that of a man out of his depth for a while now, it can only be a matter of time before he gets the hook.

Written by Tris Burke October 13 2015 20:27:50