MikeMcKenna

Pride of the Midlands - that was hard going but the type of game we have to win if we are to hang in around the top 6. I am sure Houllier et al will realise that we have to sort out in central midfield.Neither Reo Coker or Petrov performed in the 2nd

Yesssssssssssss

That signals the end of Petrov imo

Petrov and Reo Coker are completely out of it !!!

General I am sad to hear to that KM is uncertain about whether he will be staying at the club. Do you think the board bear any responsibility and do you deny that he was told the job was "his if he wanted it"?

Did Carew not rate him highly in a Norweigan article a few weeks ago. I think 1 norweigan lads made an article about it where he rated all his former managers In fact it was worse than I originally suggested, Carew rated him worst manager ever played under, apparently everyone who plays for him thinks that Does it really matter?

At least it's not Curbishley, Southgate, Sven, Allardyce..... Welcome Mr.Houllier... Bring the Villa success and you will be a hero! Everyone should give him a chance. It is a fait accompli

Amazing ...... Shows how little ambition you have the club if you think either of those can "build a dynasty" whatever that means. After all the pathetic criticism on here I really hope Houllier & KM are appointed and make people eat their words. Jeez...... curbishley couldn't build a dogs dinner never mind a dynasty!

Demitri From what I have seen over the last two days, there would appear to be more support for Houllier than you realise. Personally I would be happy to give him the role as either Manager or DoF rather than employ the "never have-beens" like Curbishley etc that some seem prepared to accept. As it stands I don't see how Villa can get to the next level whoever takes over so would rather they try a different set up. In the past the DoF/ 1st coach set up has failed in England invariably because of the big egos involved or a lack of clearly defined roles and responsibilities. Although defined in a different way, many clubs on the continent do something similar. Whilst many are violently opposed to KM as coach, I believe if that if a man of Houllier's experience could work jointly with KM on tactics and player selection it may work. KM clearly hasnt got the big ego that many managers have and therefore would not be adverse to working as part of team. As many people of my generation will recall, although Brian Clough was renowned as an egotistical manager, much of his success was due to his assistant Peter Taylor who was responsible for spotting a number of great players and coaching the team. Although their relationship was considered very different to DoF/Coach they did function as a team that achieved tremendous success at Forest and Derby. KM is well respected by the team and despite some of the crap about him Houllier enjoyed success at Liverpool and is well respected in the game. As always I could be totally wrong but if the Club have decided to give this idea a shot, I think it could work. However if we go for a mediocre manager the risk that we will start to slide is imo even greater.

WOW! Three positive posts for KM in a row that must be a record! Make that four fwiw I agree and with the help of an experienced guy like Houllier I reckon it might work. Let's see if it happens later today or Monday

Are you mellowing Mark? :-)

I have a theory that the mould can be broken and whilst I accept that such a set up based on the past is questionable that doesn't mean it will never work. I think KM is far better than people realise and that a slight change in the semantics would change peoples perception. For example if I said instead of DOF and 1st team Coach the set up would be Houllier with KM as his assistant responsible for coaching what the reaction be? Despite being critical of the clubs communication recently, I think RL is trying to something different and I would much rather this than any of the other run of the mill names mentioned. I would rather we take the risk than waste a year with someone like Curbishley or Southgate It's not quite a shit or bust strategy but I am sure that RL is thinking that he has little to lose If he can't sign someone like Moyes, Jol etc

Mark I think you are about to become disappointed

Now we're talking... Absolutely no chance - Moyes would not work with a DoF!

If it is Houllier and KM it would be quite clever by RL Houllier = Big Name, Good connections and reputation - keeps (many) fans happy KM - keeps players happy

General If it is houllier and KM I will happy but I think you may want to get your tin happy :-)

Houllier director of football, Moyes as manager, I would wet my pants. Just cannot see Moyes accepting a DoF or going back on his earlier statement

I don't knoW if this article from the Telegraph has been linked before http://tiny.cc/jdqmm But IMHO it sounds like this could be what's about to happen Houllier and KM.... How would I get a bet on this?

IF this is true i reckon Houllier is about to be made DoF with KM as 1st team coach ..... Would not surprise me one iota. Graham Taylor's article the other day now looks like a set up and I bet he was one of RL & PF's expert advisors

I have totally the opposite view. Sounds like he is pitching himself for a DoF job and is embarassing. I really now hope KM gets the job and makes everyone eat their words.

I have an inkling about Hughes, if he tells Fulham he wants it who knows. Not inconceivable.

Tell you what I'll stamp my feet for you and throw my toys out the pram - it's as much "information" as the other 5000+ posts on this thread.

Clicky Apart from MacDonald it doesn't actually mention who else is on this five man short list and actually goes on to mention 6 other managers Hughes, Jol, Mcleish, Allardyce, Moyes and Southgate. I'd suggest whoever wrote that article knows about as much as we do. Which is **** all. FFS this is a thread about our new manager and the article relates to that. Some right grumpy people tonight!

In what way was it detailed?.....Just the interview? Everything else that was said we already knew. Sorry didn't realize you knew that there is a five man shortlist - you should have told us!