What a day to make your bow as Villa manager, everything went right and it was the perfect end to a dodgy week for Villans everywhere!
Speaking on the Official Site a very proud, but humble Kevin MacDonald was quick to shift the attention onto the lads on the pitch.
In a separate interview with 5 Live when asked about submitting an application for the job fulltime on the back of the result, he quipped the only people submitting an application today were the team themselves by putting in that kind of performance.
Speaks volumes about the man really.
Anyhoo, in his after match verdict Big Mac admitted that he was a little disappointed with the grumbling Milner received when his name was read out, but that he was fully delighted with both the player and the fans by the end of the game. His substitution also was nothing to do with an injury or a knock, Mac wanted Milner to have a standing ovation given the impending move to Man City – he thought the player deserved to have the opportunity of saying goodbye, and in turn, the fans have the opportunity to say goodbye should this be his last match in claret and blue.
‘At the beginning it was not very easy for him because there were a few grumblings, and within 5 minutes they realised James is just James. He is an Aston Villa player and wants to do the best he can, he wants to win football matches.’
Addressing the concerns fans had over the substitution, he added:
‘James is fine. I just thought he deserved to come off, I thought take him off and give him the ovation he deserves.’
Big Mac, as said was also delighted with the response of the crowd given the week we’ve had and took time to make sure that was known.
‘I thought the crowd were tremendous today overall. They helped the seniors relax as much as the young boys. Ciaran Clark was tremendous as well as the other players.’
And as for his impressions on his debut as a manager in the Premier League, he admitted he was a little overawed and that although obviously being delighted with the win, the whole experience hasn’t yet sunk in properly and he’s looking forward to seeing the game back so he can take it all in.
‘I don’t think I have had enough time to actually sit down and enjoy it. It was quite nerve wracking at times, especially at the start of the second half when we never really got our the gates. I know people have been raving – I’ll see when I watch the DVD.’
MacDonald also said Randy and Paul had popped in to see him and Tony McAndrew after the match and were delighted with both the win and the performance, and were looking forward to seeing him prepare for Thursday match now.
As for the question of taking the job fulltime, he again joked that it might be the perfect time to retire.
For those asking about Sidwell, it appears he is still struggling with an achilles injury he picked up against Valencia but should be fit for Rapid Vienna.
Andreas Weimann secured his position on the bench in place of Nathan Delfouneso, simply because Weimann warranted it more given his form.
‘In terms of Andy and Nathan, it was just my own thoughts, Nathan hasn’t scored for a couple of games and Andy scored two goals at Walsall. I just thought if we are under a little bit of pressure we could throw him on and you never know.’
Players picked on form, how refreshing.
Great game, performance, showing by the youngsters topped off with a beautiful result. Who can quibble tonight!
Vital Villa on:
Vital Villa on:
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