English Premier League: Martin O’Neill criticized by Charles Krulak
Amidst his decision to part ways with Aston Villa, O’Neill has exposed himself to some scathing criticism from his peers as well as his former employers. O’Neill took over at Aston Villa in the summer of 2004 on the 4th of August. Upon his arrival, he expressed his desire to take Villa to European glory, something that the Irishman failed to do so during his time at the Birmingham football club.
O’Neill previously managed Leicester City and took them to a Premier League spot from Championship football; he also had the honour of managing one of the finest teams in the Scottish Premier League, Glasgow Celtic. With Celtic, Martin did exceptionally well as he won three Scottish league titles, three Scottish Cups, and a Scottish League Cup
Recently, O’Neill quit his post as the manager of Aston Villa F.C. One of the several possible reasons for his departure from the English Premier League club is a probable disagreement between the club’s owner Randy Lerner and O’Neill himself. British media has been quick on O’Neill’s heels and has speculated that James Milner’s departure from Villa is seen as the main thorn in Martin’s relationship with the club administration.
Lerner’s most trusted associate, General Charles Krulak who is an executive director at Aston Villa, has blamed O’Neill for holding the view that the manager himself is bigger than the club. Krulak who is more commonly known by Villa fans as “the General” made it quite clear in his statement to the press that Martin received full financial backing by the Aston Villa board during his four year spell at the former European Champions.
A Vietnam War veteran, Charles Krulak told Villatalk.com that, O’Neill was unwilling to compromise in order to make Aston Villa a more financially stable football club. However, he also added that O’Neill did a good enough job for Aston Villa during his tenure with them. Without committing the mistake of disregarding O’Neill’s contribution to Villa’s standing in the modern English football league, Krulak also stated that, Martin was aware of Aston Villa’s long term plans for the club when he accepted the management of the club in 2006.
Charles also went onto say that; O’Neill was also in full knowledge of the wages of the players as well as the revenue that the club was making when he took over at Villa. Krulak also pointed towards the money that Martin O’Neill spent during his time at Aston Villa, as the Irishman attempted to make Villa into top level European cup contenders. The former U.S army man further added that, the wage to revenue difference in the clubs accounts was rising and O’Neill was not willing to address it.
Aston Villa’s executive director also said that no one is bigger than the club itself, but apparently Martin does not understand this fact. Pondering upon the question of finding a replacement for O’Neill, Charles went onto say that Aston Villa will not be hurried into a decision. He stated that it is important that Villa bring in the right man for the job as the English Premier League club open their league season on the 14th of August, 2010 in home match against Avram Grant’s West Ham United.
During his time at Aston Villa, Martin O’Neill led the team to the 2010 Carling Cup final, which was held at the newly formed Wembley Stadium in London. However, the match itself ended in a two goals to one defeat for Aston Villa to Manchester United. O’Neill also took Villa to the F.A Cup semi-finals, where they lost to the eventual winners Chelsea by three goals to one. In the 2009-2010 season under Martin, Villa finished sixth in the league table above English giants and rivals Liverpool F.C.
Several reputable managers such as Manuel Pelligrini, Svenson Goran Erikkson, Martin Jol have been linked to the managerial job at Villa, who last won the European Cup in 1982 and the English League title in the 1980-1981 season.
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