MM would consider coming back as manager in the future

**SwanVsDalton** · 18/07/2011, 9:14 AM

Originally Posted by Lionel Ritchie

Just on Martin O'Neill -I'm not entirely convinced by him. His successes were primarily in a dead league contested by two teams, his real accomplishments were with Leicster and further back with Wycombe. Despite having a generous budget he scarcely did any better with Villa than David O'Leary who had virtually none.

Can't agree with that. O'Leary took Villa to 6th, 10th and 16th. Under O'Neill, it was 11th, 6th, 6th, 6th. Very consistent despite the top tier of the EPL being more competitive than it was during O'Leary's tenure. Plus O'Neill has the better win percent and won almost twice as many games (albeit with an extra season).

Sure O'Neill had the money to spend, but for me the most important thing is Villa became consistent, and crucially, started beating the big teams on occasion (Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal et al). Under O'Leary, Villa were regularly spanked against those guys. As a team, Villa were far more purposeful under O'Neill.

**the bear** · 18/07/2011, 9:10 PM

Originally Posted by SwanVsDalton

Can't agree with that. O'Leary took Villa to 6th, 10th and 16th. Under O'Neill, it was 11th, 6th, 6th, 6th. Very consistent despite the top tier of the EPL being more competitive than it was during O'Leary's tenure. Plus O'Neill has the better win percent and won almost twice as many games (albeit with an extra season).

Sure O'Neill had the money to spend, but for me the most important thing is Villa became consistent, and crucially, started beating the big teams on occasion (Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal et al). Under O'Leary, Villa were regularly spanked against those guys. As a team, Villa were far more purposeful under O'Neill.

then he left them high and dry a few days before the season started, whatever his quarel was with the owner i wasn't impressed with his actions there.

he is a very good manager although also a very annoying pundit. i reckon he would be a better option for us than big mick

**SwanVsDalton** · 19/07/2011, 9:10 AM

Originally Posted by the bear

then he left them high and dry a few days before the season started, whatever his quarel was with the owner i wasn't impressed with his actions there.

he is a very good manager although also a very annoying pundit. i reckon he would be a better option for us than big mick

I'm only defending his record compared to O'Leary, not his acrimonious departure.

Back on thread, I'd have no problem if Mick were to come back though it's hard to judge since it's impossible to know who would be available in this hypothetical. But I do think he's a better manager than he was a decade ago. He's accrued a lot of respect that I don't think many of us would've expected after he left the Ireland job. Fair play.