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1st June 2011 is D-Day for Aston Villa.
Whatever you want to believe in the press regarding the situation involving the current manager, it is evident that today will be a big day for the club. It won’t be for the usual reasons of a cup final or a player leaving, it will be a big day that illustrates the future.
Next steps
After medical tests meant to find out if Gerard Houllier is fit to take control over the club next season ended up divisive, a plan has to occur now. The one in four consultants that has said Houllier isn’t able to be in charge due to health will be enough of a seed of doubt in the board’s mind to force the situation. After a season that has been racked with issues (a lot of which can’t be put at the foot of Gerard Houllier), Aston Villa Football Club can’t afford to take risks anymore. Whilst Gerard Houllier is a fantastic person, the risk associated with health problems pose far too much of an issue to be gambled on next year. This season we almost lost our Premier League status. If things don’t change for next season, we may not be as lucky.
Postulation regarding who will be in charge, how things will pan out, or attempting to second guess the board is futile. To that end, I am not going to pick a name out who I think will be appointed, or if in fact the board will be changing manager, because to do so is pointless. We will find out today if you believe the multiple media outlets who suggest something will be announced.
A plan to see – five years or whatever
All we need to know as fans is that there is some semblance of progress being put into place. The board have intimated to the concept of a five year plan when Martin O’Neill was in charge, but that disappeared into thin air due to a variety of reasons. A five year plan wasn’t mentioned when Gerard was taken on because a) the situation wasn’t planned meticulously anyway and b) five year plans when the manager is 63 is a big case of ifs and maybes. Some might quote managers of that age who are successful, but they do not have the same health issues floating around.
What we need is a decision. In a way, this decision is the biggest the board will have made in their time with the club. Martin O’Neill leaving wasn’t a choice that was made by them. Gerard Houllier’s appointment wasn’t really a choice made by them, but one that was forced on them out of panic.
The next decision will illustrate just where this club is going. A Moyes, Hughes or McClaren are safe options. An Ancelotti or Jol would be a big money project. A Martinez would be a big risk, but a long term strategy. A McAllister promotion would be a signal of cost saving over strategy. Keeping Gerard would be a £50m gamble on a heart valve.
So where now Aston Villa? All will become apparent today. Whatever happens, I wish Gerard all the best with his health going forward.
The Author
