Aston Villa have thrown their supporters into a tizzy by hiring former Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish in place of Gerard Houllier, who left the club at the end of the season following a health scare. Rather than questioning McLeish's style or ability (which would be at least somewhat valid), Villa fans are focused on the idea that it's somehow wrong to hire anyone who's been associated with their rival club, which is slightly mental. Anyway, here's what McLeish has to say:
Aston Villa Announce Appointment Of Alex McLeish
I am honoured to have this opportunity to manage a club with such a fantastic history as Aston Villa's. The heritage, the history of success and the tradition of Aston Villa are compelling and irresistible. The challenge for me is to try to add my own chapter.
Since first becoming a manager at Motherwell, my desire to succeed and my energy and drive have never waned. My objective is to impart that drive and will to win to the players and fans of Aston Villa. I know that some of our fans have voiced concerns and I can understand why. It will be up to me to convince you that I am the right man to drive the Club forward and I intend to give absolutely everything to prove that I can be a success at the Club.
I’m not convinced that McLeish was the right man for the job, although he’s not a bad manager. Villa chased after Wigan’s Roberto Martinez, who would have been a much better fit, and probably could have done with someone who would get them to play more stylish football. Apart from trolling both Birmingham and Villa fans, this doesn’t seem like an interesting appointment at all. Oh well.
See More:
