Three consecutive sixth place finishes, League Cup final, FA Cup semi-final, Peace Cup win. It really was not bad at all when you put the last season into perspective.
So, with the list of eligible candidates shrinking by the day, would it be too far-fetched for Martin O’Neill to make a sensational return to Villa Park? Granted his departure was inexcusable and that is something that would have to be addressed, but the recent tribunal seemed to be sorted fairly quickly and, dare I say, amicable. O’Neill was also quite gracious about his tenure at Villa and seemed to have no bad feelings in the statements he made. I wondered at the time if Randy was making roads to bring him back.
Randy, if you are reading this (and before you bring in McLeish), please give it some thought. O’Neill left because of transfer funds, and Randy has proven with his investment in Bent that he will be forthcoming if needs be. Martin may well be the man to consider Downing to stay, as he was the one who signed him. He might also persuade Young to stay- you never know.
He did sign a few turkeys in his time at Villa, but all is forgiven when you throw Dunne, Young, Downing and Milner into the equation. I honestly believe that Randy did not realise what he had in O’Neill, because they were by far the brightest days in the club’s recent history.
I would much rather see us back up the table in genuine contention for Champion’s League, if both parties can swallow a little pride. To be fair, O’Neill will struggle to find a better club than Villa to ply his trade and there are few other options out there at the moment.
O’Neill undoubtedly had ambition, with his eyes firmly set towards the top of the table. As I write this, Randy is interviewing a manager that is notorious for scrappy football and has been relegated twice with his previous club. If the ambition is high on the Chairman’s agenda, then why not show it with who he interviews?
I, for one, would welcome O’Neill back with open arms, and if the powers that be have anything about them they will grab him quick before he goes elsewhere. In the very least, we can pretty much guarantee there would be no graffiti at Bodymoor.