The Big Names That Should Be In The Frame For Aston Villa

The discussion rumbles on in our forum, and everywhere else, as to who should replace Dean Smith as Villa manager.

This post from BonniePrinceCarew caught my eye, as I have said many times, money talks and Villa IS a big club who could attract big names.

The Vital Villa user argued:

Steven Gerrard is not an upgrade on Dean Smith. Nor is Graham Potter, Nuno or Roberto Martinez. The owners have always cited ambition and progress and they now have a chance to flex their muscles and really make a statement.

Dream appointments perhaps, but would love us to go for –

Brendan Rodgers – yes a tall order and would need us to sell him our vision for the Club, not to mention the hefty fee it would cost to get him out of Leicester, but Rogers is a proven winner and it’s not like he’s at a Champions league Club. He won’t be there forever.

Unai Emery – Aside from the hiccup at the Gooners the man is a top manager, managed top clubs, managed top players and if the owners ambition is for Villa to grab a UEFA league spot he’s the man you want to make progress in that competition. He may have turned down Newcastle but he did have talks, so I’m not so sure he’s closed the door on a return to the Premier League.

Roberto Mancini – ok doubt he would even consider the move and I’m sure he will want to add a World Cup to his Euro win but a man who kicked off the City revolution, respected worldwide and kicks ass when he needs too. He plays good attacking football too.

Erik Ten Hag – has got his team playing lovely football, champions league semi-finalist, highly respected and is taylor made to bring his style of play to the Prem. Again, only a matter of time before he’s snapped up by a Club with real ambition.

If it’s true that the owners want us to compete at the top end of the league we will be in the mix fighting for Europe with Benitez, Conte, Arteta, Moyes and Rogers. We need a proven winner. Not a rookie or a manager with promise. Villa is a very attractive club for the right manager who can see the potential. We should think big.