Everton boss David Moyes has ruled himself out of the running to become the next Aston Villa manager following Martin O'Neill's sensational exit.
Moyes' claim that he has no interest in succeeding O'Neill comes after Villa's American owner Randy Lerner finally broke his silence on the dramatic events at the Barclays Premier League club on Monday.
O'Neill walked out of Villa Park on Monday but Lerner has remained tight-lipped on the reasons behind the Northern Irishman's sudden departure.
However, in a statement released on Wednesday, Lerner admitted differences with O'Neill in their vision for the club was the main problem behind the split.
O'Neill wanted to make Villa a top four Premier League team and take them into the Champions League.
But Lerner hinted that they just cannot compete with the financial clout of Manchester United and Chelsea, prompting O'Neill departure.
O'Neill was also unhappy at selling his best players such as midfielder James Milner - who has been targeted by Manchester City all summer - a deal Lerner says the club would now be looking to conclude as soon as possible.
Lerner said: 'Having had some time to reflect on Martin leaving, I can say that our most immediate focus is supporting Kevin MacDonald and resolving the situation with Manchester City and James Milner.'As for explaining why Martin left, I can say only that we no longer shared a common view as to how to move forward.'To deal in greater detail would do little but cause additional distraction for the club as it faces imminent games and the clear priority of hiring a permanent manager.
Better times: Lerner with Martin O'Neill before the Northern Irishman walked out
'Finally, there have been no changes in our approach to building the club, aiming always to be as competitive as possible given our size and resources.'
Moyes, meanwhile, insists he is more than happy at Goodison Park where he has been for the last eight years and has no designs on succeeding O'Neill at Villa Park.
'I am loyal to Everton, I've always said that,' the Scot told talkSPORT. 'It is a really good club and this year we have a really good team and we have a good chance of doing well.'
Ajax manager Martin Jol is Villa fans' No.1 choice to takeover according to a local newspaper poll.
Jol is wanted by 28% of Villa supporters in a survey conducted by the Birmingham Mail.
Fans favourite: Ajax boss Martin Jol is the No 1 choice to succeed O'Neill at Villa
The former Tottenham boss looked set to move to Fulham last month before Ajax insisted he saw out the remainder of his contract.
Moyes is the second choice, polling 16.8 per cent, with Jurgen Klinsmann in third spot (12.1%).
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish collected 3.5 per cent of the vote despite the rivalry between the clubs. But City are confident McLeish will commit his long-term future to St Andrew's by signing a new deal.
Sven-Goran Eriksson has already indicated he would be willing to take over from O'Neill. Former skipper Gareth Southgate is also believed to be keen on the post.
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Source: Daily Mail
Source: Daily Mail