Martin O’Neill Quits as Aston Villa Manager
The surprise resignation of Martin O’Neill, the former Aston Villa manager, comes five days before the start of the season, leaving Aston Villa in a state of panic as they look for a replacement. The timing comes as a surprise, the decision itself – not so much. O’Neill, who did not agree with the transfer policy at Villa, left Norwich City for similar reasons back in 1995. The Irishman did not agree with the Norwich City chairmen over their transfer policy, and after six months of unsuccessful talks, O’Neill walked.
O’Neill worked really hard to build and develop certain players, including James Milner and Ashley Young. He was not in favour of selling these players, especially when no replacements were promised. Without O’Neill’s approval, Villa had plans to sell Milner to Manchester City for a very high fee and revealed they were open to offers for Young.
O’Neill had faith in his team, believing that Aston Villa had the power to break the hierarchy of the top four, namely – Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool. But for that, he wanted to retain certain players, which was getting impossible because of Aston Villa’s transfer policy. It has been a while since Villa have made a considerable, big signing and after being patient for so long, O’Neill wanted to buy for once in the transfer market, instead of selling the only players who had a chance of contributing to a decent result.
O’Neill is a strong believer in team spirit and determination, having led Forest and Northern Ireland to impressive results, and captaining Ireland in their impressive campaign for the 1982 World Cup. He showed strong commitment for his team, Wycombe, by turning down offers from bigger clubs and seeing them into the third division. His next stop was Norwich which did not end to well, because of disagreements with the board over transfer policy.
He managed Leicester City for five years, winning two League Cups and helping them earn a promotion to the Premier League and consistent performances which ensured their place in the mid table. He won over the fans and his departure was welcomed. He was linked with Leeds United and he was offered to manage Northern Ireland on a part time basis, but he refused, instead he took over Celtic.
At the Scottish club he continued his success, leading them to silverware and a place in the UEFA Cup final. After this impressive run, he was constantly being linked to every possible available position in the Premier League and even the England job, but O’Neill had other things on his mind. His wife had been diagnosed with cancer and he took a year off to look after her.
O’Neill made a comeback with Aston Villa, who weren’t doing too well when he took over in the 2006-2007 season. After a shaky start, O’Neill grew on his team, leading them to consistent performances – successive top six finishses over three years. An improved Aston Villa even reached the League Cup final and the semi final of the FA Cup. With recent performances demonstrating the heights Villa could reach, O’Neill was understandably upset with the transfer policy.
He was frustrated with the transfer of Gareth Barry, Villa’s iconic midfielder, and things only got worse for him when it was obvious that he did not have a say in the pending departure of Milner to Manchester City and the possible exit of Young. No manager would prefer to stay in these conditions, where he is unable to control which players to buy or sell. His exit was expected.
Aston Villa fans are distressed seeing O’Neill go. The man who spent large sums of money on sensible transfers and believed in home grown talent, will be missed. He was expressive at the touchline, but always calm, getting his message across to players. Aston Villa might have trouble finding a new manager, but O’Neill will have no problem finding a new job.
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