“Magnificent Martin” masterminding long-term success at Aston Villa
Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill admitted yesterday that the chance of his side claiming the fourth Champions League spot and playing in Europe’s premier competition is now slipping.
Commenting after Villa’s drew 3-3 draw with Everton he said: ‘It is going to be very difficult now with Arsenal having won.’ Whereas many sides seem to hit a rich vain of form coming up to the end of the season, Villa have been somewhat the reverse.
They started the season in stunning form and looked to be breaking the ‘Big Four’ strangle hold on English football however in recent weeks this has slipped. O’Neill has won the Manager of the Month award more times than anyone else with the exception of Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson and has built a team with a thoroughly English spine, something that his rivals can only dream of and hopes had been high after an emphatic start to the season.
The biggest mistake that he has made this year was probably the decision to focus on pursuing the Champions League spot, which cost Villa their place in this season’s UEFA Cup. After fielding what was almost a reserve side to play CSKA Moscow the Midlands club lost 2-nil and O’Neill had to put his hand in his pocket and fork out for a meal for all those fans that had bought tickets to watch what they thought, would be a strong Villa team.
At the time the Northern Irishman blamed the small size of his squad for the poor team however it was clear to see that the fourth spot was his aim.
Aston Villa have done well this season but after being destroyed by an impressive Liverpool who smashed five past them a couple of weeks ago many would have expected them to crumble when Everton went 3 -1 up yesterday. However they fought back and salvaged a point from the game.
This resurgent mind set and attitude is often attributed only to the top few teams, the infamous champions trademark that we have so often seen Man Utd deliver, so perhaps this is the greatest achievement for Aston Villa and Martin O’Neill this season – not that they will finish in the top six but that he has built a team that can look confidently to more success in the future.
Lazy journalism – if you bothered researching it – Martin O’neil did not pay for the meal, and it was the right decision to rest for the aim of CL footy next year, mr hindsight, and I dont think he blamed the squad as such for pulling out of the Uefa, he blamed lack of resources for not being able to focus on both (a little bit of back-checking is required before you write an article – he chose) – so we havent made it yet, and maybe wont – still far and away one of the most interesting teams in the Premier League – and your redeeming grace, not that this season is over, is that there is everything going for us next season (and that means Spurs and Everton (again) stepping up – but would you really have it any other way)
According to one of the nations leading papers, O’Neil invited all those who bought a ticket to attend a free meal at Villa Park. I do conceed your point regarding lack of resources, but the lack of resources led in turn to a small squad being unable to compete on all fronts.
To be fair, it was Villa paying for the meal. I thought Mart was the manager and therefore metaphorically speaking ‘his pocket’ is the club coffers?
And if the squad isn’t strong enough, not much one can do about it. It’s not just one season that Mart is here for, if he can keep improving the side season after season that’s a job well done.
Good points, but as for the futuer, I fear it may be an Arsenal like situation – the players want silverware. Gareth Barry is craving Champions leaguefootball more than anything, and it may mean that he moves in the summer. Also, some key Villa players have been very good this season which will atract interest from other clubs – so the real question is not whether Villa can keep going next season, but whether they can hold onto their players to allow them to buid on this season. I sincerely hope so.