SoccerAmerica - O'Neill's departure comes as no surprise 08/09/2010

[ENGLAND] Aston Villa's Martin O'Neill, one of the English Premier League's most high-profile managers, quit just five days before the start of the new season. A dozen coaches -- including U.S. boss Bob Bradley -- were mentioned as possibilities to replace O'Neill.

O'Neill's move is no surprise, though his timing, on the eve of EPL opening weekend, is a shock.

The former Northern Ireland international's departure comes as Villa is about to finalize the transfer of James Milner to Manchester City.

O'Neill has been known to be concerned about the commitment of Villa's popular American owner, Randy Lerner, to compete on the English transfer market. Lerner lost $70 million last year.

Villa sold captain Gareth Barry to Man. City before the start of last season. Besides Milner, Villa is believed to have offered Ashley Young for sale.

Bradley was immediately installed as the favorite to replace O'Neill, though other coaches -- Alan Curbishley and Martin Jol -- were considered better possibilities.

The U.S. connection at Villa also includes three Americans on the first team: goalie Brad Friedel and Brad Guzan and defender Eric Lichaj.

0 comments

Ric Fonseca

commented on: August 10, 2010 at 4:10 p.m.

ell, some leagues know when to hold 'em, and some when to fold 'em. I wish that US Soccer shoulda folded 'em and had given BB his walking papers, or better yet, I'd respected him even more had he submitted his resignation upon his return, That Villa is considering him, good for them and good for him, though his name was bantied about previously with Fulham(?) they selected someone else, and I suspect that Villa will do the same. Word in the street is that he will soon be looking at latching on with one of the two future MLS expansion teams.. which souldn't be so surprising, or even Kevin Payne will get him to go back to DC Utd. and it wouldn't surprise me if US Soccer hasn't spoken to DC about lessening his not getting an extension for four more years (Perish the thought!!!) Now it is a matter of wait and see how the ball bounces tonight, though quite honestly I think Brasil will take home the marbles. P.S. And who in sam's heck is Eric Lichaj???

David Huff

commented on: August 10, 2010 at 5:20 p.m.

I concur with you Ric, may there soon be good tidings with regard to the departure of MLS Bob.

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